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April 1, 2015

Dear Stockholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of stockholders of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. to be held at:

The Crowne Plaza Hotel

One West Street

Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201

Thursday, May 7, 2015

10:00 a.m., Eastern time

The notice of annual meeting and proxy statement appearing on the following pages describe the formal business to be transacted at the meeting. Directors and officers of the Company, as well as a representative of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, will be present to respond to appropriate questions of stockholders.

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

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” each of the proposals to be presented at the annual meeting.

Sincerely,

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24 North Street

Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201

(413) 443-5601

NOTICE OF 2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 7, 2015—THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.’S 2014 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS ARE EACH AVAILABLE AT www.materials.proxyvote.com/084680.

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Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

Proxy Statement

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Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

Proxy Statement

General Information

We are providing this proxy statement to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and for any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. In this proxy statement, we may also refer to Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. as “Berkshire Hills,” the “Company,” “Berkshire,” “we,” “our” or “us.”

Berkshire Hills is the holding company for Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Insurance Group, Inc. In this proxy statement, we may also refer to Berkshire Bank as the “Bank.”

We are holding the 2015 Annual Meeting at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, One West Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts on May 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time.

We intend to mail this proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card to stockholders of record beginning on or about April 1, 2015.

Information About Voting

Who Can Vote at the Meeting

You are entitled to vote the shares of Berkshire Hills common stock that you owned as of the close of business on March 12, 2015. As of the close of business on March 12, 2015, a total of 25,250,136 shares of Company common stock were outstanding. Each share of common stock has one vote.

The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation provides that a record owner of the Company’s common stock who beneficially owns, either directly or indirectly, in excess of 10% of the Company’s outstanding shares, is not entitled to any vote in respect of the shares held in excess of the 10% limit. To our knowledge, there are no such record owners as of March 12, 2015.

Ownership of Shares; Attending the Meeting

You may own shares of Berkshire Hills in one of the following ways:

·                                          Directly in your name as the stockholder of record;

·                                          Indirectly through a broker, bank or other holder of record in “street name”; or

·                                          Indirectly in the Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. Stock Fund of our 401(k) Plan, the trust that holds restricted stock awards issued to directors and employees under our equity plans.

If your shares are registered directly in your name, you are the holder of record of these shares and we are sending these proxy materials directly to you. As the holder of record, you have the right to give your proxy directly to us, either through voting by mail, the Internet, or telephone, or to vote in person at the meeting. If you wish to vote at the meeting, you will need to bring proof of identity.

If you hold your shares indirectly in street name, your broker, bank or other holder of record is sending these proxy materials to you. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker,

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bank or nominee how to vote by filling out a voting form that accompanies your proxy materials. Your broker, bank or nominee may allow you to provide voting instructions by telephone or by the Internet in addition to by mail. Please see the form provided by your broker, bank or nominee that accompanies this proxy statement.

If you hold your shares indirectly in street name and wish to attend the meeting, you will need to bring proof of ownership to be admitted to the meeting. A recent brokerage statement or letter from a bank or broker are examples of proof of ownership. If you want to vote your shares of Berkshire Hills common stock held in street name in person at the meeting, you must obtain a written proxy in your name from the broker, bank or nominee who is the record holder of your shares. You will also need to bring proof of identity to vote at the meeting.

Quorum and Vote Required

Quorum. We will have a quorum and will be able to conduct the business of the annual meeting if the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote are present at the meeting, either in person or by proxy.

Votes Required for Proposals. At this year’s annual meeting, stockholders will elect five directors to each serve a term of three years.  In voting on the election of directors, you may vote in favor of the nominees, withhold votes as to all nominees, or withhold votes as to specific nominees. There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors.  Directors must be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the annual meeting. This means that the five nominees receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected. However, if a director is elected by a plurality but less than a majority of the votes cast for such director, such director must submit his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, which resignation may then be accepted or rejected by the Board following a review by the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee.

In voting on the non-binding proposal to give advisory approval of our executive compensation, you may vote in favor of the proposal, vote against the proposal or abstain from voting. To approve the proposal, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting is required.  While this vote is required by law, it will neither be binding on us or the Board of Directors, nor will it create or imply any change in the fiduciary duties of, or impose any additional fiduciary duty on us or the Board of Directors.

In voting on the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, you may vote in favor of the proposal, vote against the proposal or abstain from voting. To ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2015, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting is required.

Routine and Non-Routine Proposals. Applicable rules determine whether proposals presented at stockholder meetings are routine or non-routine. If a proposal is routine, a broker or other entity holding shares for an owner in street name may vote on the proposal without receiving voting instructions from the owner. If a proposal is non-routine, the broker or other entity may vote on the proposal only if the owner has provided voting instructions. The New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) allows its member-brokers to vote shares held by them for their customers on matters the NYSE determines are routine, even though the brokers have not received voting instructions from their customers. The NYSE currently considers the ratification of our independent auditors (Item 3) as a routine matter. Your broker, therefore, may vote your shares in its discretion on this routine matter if you do not instruct your broker how to vote on it. If the NYSE does not consider a matter routine, then your broker is prohibited from voting your shares on the matter unless you have given voting instructions on that matter to your broker. The NYSE no longer considers the election of directors or compensation matters to be routine (Items 1 and 2).

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Therefore, brokers holding shares for their customers will not have the ability to cast votes with respect to the election of directors and the Company’s executive compensation, unless they have received instructions from their customers. It is important, therefore, that you provide instructions to your broker if your shares are held by a broker so that your vote with respect to these non-routine matters is counted.

How We Count Votes. If you return valid proxy instructions or attend the meeting in person, we will count your shares to determine whether there is a quorum, even if you abstain from voting. Broker non-votes also will be counted to determine the existence of a quorum.

In the election of directors, votes that are withheld and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the election.

In counting votes on the proposals to give advisory approval of our executive compensation and to ratify the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm, we will not count abstentions or broker non-votes as votes cast on these proposals. Therefore, abstentions and broker non-votes will have no impact on the outcome of these proposals.

Solicitation of Proxies. The Company will bear the entire cost of soliciting proxies from you. In addition to solicitation of proxies by mail, we will request that banks, brokers and other holders of record send proxies and proxy materials to the beneficial owners of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. common stock and secure their voting instructions, if necessary.

Voting by Proxy

The Company’s Board of Directors is sending you this proxy statement to request that you allow your shares of Company common stock to be represented at the annual meeting by the persons named as proxies on the enclosed proxy card. All shares of Company common stock represented at the meeting by properly executed and dated proxies will be voted according to the instructions indicated on the proxy card. If you sign, date and return a proxy card without giving voting instructions, your shares will be voted as recommended by the Company’s Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” each of the nominees for director, “FOR” our executive compensation as described in this proxy statement, and “FOR” ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2015.

If any matters not described in this proxy statement are properly presented at the annual meeting, the persons named as proxies on the proxy card will use their judgment to determine how to vote your shares. This includes a motion to adjourn or postpone the meeting to solicit additional proxies. If the annual meeting is postponed or adjourned, your Company common stock may be voted by the persons named in the proxy card on the new meeting date, provided such new meeting occurs within 30 days of the annual meeting and you have not revoked your proxy. The Company does not currently know of any other matters to be presented at the meeting.

You may revoke your proxy at any time before the vote is taken at the meeting. To revoke your proxy, you must either advise the Corporate Secretary of the Company in writing before your common stock has been voted at the annual meeting, deliver a later dated proxy or attend the meeting and vote your shares in person by ballot. Attendance at the annual meeting will not in itself constitute revocation of your proxy. You may advise the Company’s Corporate Secretary of your revocation in writing to Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. at 24 North Street, P.O. Box 1308, Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01202, care of Wm. Gordon Prescott, Corporate Secretary.

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Participants in the Berkshire Bank 401(k) Plan

If you invest in Berkshire Hills common stock through the Berkshire Hills Bancorp Stock Fund in our 401(k) Plan, you will receive a voting instruction card that reflects all shares you may vote under the plan. Under the terms of the 401(k) Plan, a participant is entitled to direct the trustee how to vote the shares in the Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. Stock Fund credited to his or her account. The trustee will vote all shares for which it does not receive timely instructions from participants in the same proportion as shares for which the trustee received voting instructions. Your voting instructions must be received by April 30, 2015.

Holders of Non-Vested Restricted Stock Awards

If you have been granted a restricted stock award under the Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. Amended and Restated 2003 Equity Compensation Plan, 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, or 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (collectively referred to as the “Incentive Plan”), you will receive a voting instruction card that reflects all unvested shares of Berkshire Hills common stock subject to the restricted stock award that you may vote under the Incentive Plan. Under the terms of the Incentive Plan, a participant is entitled to direct the trustee how to vote the unvested shares of restricted Berkshire Hills common stock awarded to him or her. The trustee will vote the shares of Berkshire Hills common stock held in the Incentive Plan Trust in accordance with instructions it receives from you and other stock award recipients. The trustee will vote all shares for which it does not receive timely instructions from stock award recipients in the same proportion for which the trustee received voting instructions. Your voting instructions must be received by April 30, 2015.

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Corporate Governance

Director Independence

The Company’s Board of Directors currently consists of 14 members, all of whom are independent under the listing requirements of The New York Stock Exchange, except for Messrs. Daly and Curley, who are officers of the Company and the Bank, and Mr. Dunlaevy, by reason of his Non-Competition and Consulting Agreement with the Company, dated April 6, 2011, pursuant to Legacy Bancorp, Inc.’s merger with and into the Company. In determining the independence of its directors, the Board considered transactions, relationships and arrangements between the Company and its directors that are not required to be disclosed in this proxy statement under the heading “Transactions with Related Persons,” including loans or lines of credit that the Bank has directly or indirectly made to Directors Altmeyer, Daly, Mahoney, Moffatt, Murphy, Raser and Templeton.

On January 23, 2014, Geno Auriemma resigned from the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank. Concurrent with Mr. Auriemma’s resignation, the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank appointed Richard J. Murphy to serve as director for a term to expire at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.  On June 27, 2014, Mr. Lawrence A. Bossidy, the Company’s former Lead Independent Director, retired from the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank. Concurrent with Mr. Lawrence Bossidy’s retirement, the Boards of Directors appointed William J. Ryan, an independent director, to serve as Chairman of the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank.  Michael P. Daly continues to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director of the Company and the Bank. On March 19, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company amended the Company’s bylaws to increase the size of the Board from 13 members to 14 members and appointed Paul T. Bossidy to fill the vacancy created by the increase in the size of the Board. Mr. Paul Bossidy will serve as director for a term to expire at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Corporate Governance Policy

The Board of Directors has adopted a corporate governance policy to govern certain activities, including: the duties and responsibilities of directors; the composition, responsibilities and operation of the Board of Directors; the selection of a Chairman of the Board of Directors; the operation of board committees; succession planning; convening executive sessions of independent directors; the Board of Directors’ interaction with management and third parties; and the evaluation of the performance of the Board of Directors and of the Chief Executive Officer. A copy of the corporate governance policy is available in the Governance Documents portion of the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website (www.berkshirebank.com).

Committees of the Board of Directors

The following table identifies our standing committees and their members for fiscal year 2014.  All members of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee are independent in accordance with the listing requirements of The New York Stock Exchange. Each committee operates under a written charter that is approved by the Board of Directors that governs its composition, responsibilities and operation. Each committee reviews and reassesses the adequacy of its charter at least annually.  The charters of all five (5) committees are available in the Governance Documents portion of the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website (www.berkshirebank.com).

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*                 Denotes Committee Chairperson

**          Mr. Auriemma resigned from the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank, effective January 23, 2014. Mr. Murphy was appointed to serve the remainder of Mr. Auriemma’s term and stand for re-election at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

***   Mr. Bossidy retired from the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank, effective June 27, 2014. Mr. Ryan was appointed to serve the remainder of Mr. Bossidy’s term and stand for re-election at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in its oversight of the Company’s accounting and reporting practices, the quality and integrity of the Company’s financial reports and the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to accounting and financial reporting. The Audit Committee oversees the Company’s internal audit function and annually reviews and approves an internal audit plan. The Committee is also responsible for engaging the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and monitoring its performance and independence. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent under the listing requirements of The New York Stock Exchange and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to audit committee members. The Board of Directors has designated Director Hill as an audit committee financial expert under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Committee presently has four (4) members and is chaired by Ms. Hill.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee approves the compensation objectives for the Company and its subsidiaries and establishes the compensation for the Chief Executive Officer and other executives. The Compensation Committee also reviews the Company’s incentive compensation and other equity plans and recommends changes to the plans as needed. The Compensation Committee reviews all compensation components for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, including base salary, annual incentive, long-term incentives/equity, benefits and other perquisites. In addition to reviewing competitive market factors, the Compensation Committee also examines the total compensation mix, pay-for-performance relationship, and how all elements, in the aggregate, comprise the executive’s total compensation package. Decisions by the Compensation Committee with respect to the compensation of executive officers are approved by the full Board of Directors. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for more information regarding the role of the Compensation Committee,

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management and compensation consultants in determining and/or recommending the amount or form of executive compensation.  Each member of the Compensation Committee is independent under the listing requirements of The New York Stock Exchange and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to Compensation Committee members.  The Committee presently has four (4) members and is chaired by Mr. Davies.

Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee

The Company’s Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee assists the Board of Directors in: (1) identifying qualified individuals to serve as Board members, (2) determining the composition of the Board of Directors and its committees, (3) monitoring a process to assess Board effectiveness and (4) developing and implementing the Company’s corporate governance guidelines. The Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee also considers and recommends the nominees for director to stand for election at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders.  The Committee presently has five (5) members and is chaired by Mr. Dimock.

Minimum Qualifications. The Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee has adopted a set of criteria that it considers when it selects individuals to be nominated for election to the Board of Directors. A candidate must meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the Company’s bylaws, which include a residency requirement and a requirement that the candidate not have been subject to certain criminal or regulatory actions. A candidate also must meet any qualification requirements set forth in any Board or committee governing documents.

These qualifications include:

·                                          No person shall be eligible for election or appointment to the Board of Directors: (i) if such person has, within the previous ten (10) years, been the subject of supervisory action by a financial regulatory agency that resulted in a cease and desist order or an agreement or other written statement subject to public disclosure under 12 U.S.C. 1818(u), or any successor provision; (ii) if such person has been convicted of a crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust which is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year under state or federal law; (iii) if such person is currently charged in any information, indictment, or other complaint with the commission of or participation in such a crime; and (iv) except for persons serving as members of the initial Board of Directors or except as otherwise approved by the Board of Directors, unless such person has been, for a period of at least one year immediately prior to his or her nomination or appointment, a resident of a county in which the Company or its subsidiaries maintains a banking office or a county contiguous to any such county.

·                                          No person shall be eligible for election or appointment to the Board of Directors if such person is the nominee or representative of a company, as that term is defined in Section 10 of the Home Owners’ Loan Act or any successor provision, of which any director, partner, trustee or shareholder controlling more than 10% of any class of voting stock would not be eligible for election or appointment to the Board of Directors.

·                                          No person may serve on the Board of Directors and at the same time be a director of more than two other public companies, or their subsidiaries.

·                                          No person shall be eligible for election to the Board of Directors if such person is the nominee or representative of a person or group, or of a group acting in concert (as

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defined in 12 C.F.R Section 574.4(d)), that includes a person who is ineligible for election to the Board of Directors.

·                                          The Board of Directors shall have the power to construe and apply the provisions of the Company’s bylaws and other governance documents, and to make all determinations necessary or desirable to implement such provisions, including but not limited to determinations as to whether a person is a nominee or representative of a person, a company or a group, whether a person or company is included in a group, and whether a person is the nominee or representative of a group acting in concert.

If the candidate is deemed eligible and qualified for election to the Board of Directors, the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee will then evaluate the following criteria in selecting nominees:

·                                          financial, regulatory and business experience;

·                                          familiarity with and participation in the local communities;

·                                          integrity, honesty and reputation in connection with upholding a position of trust with respect to customers;

·                                          dedication to the Company and its stockholders; and

·                                          independence.

The Committee also will consider any other factors the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee deems relevant, including age, diversity, size of the Board of Directors and regulatory disclosure obligations. We do not maintain a specific diversity policy, but diversity is considered in our review of candidates. Diversity is considered in terms of how a candidate’s background, experience, qualifications, attributes and skills may complement, supplement or duplicate those of other prospective candidates.

With respect to nominating an existing director for re-election to the Board of Directors, the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee will consider and review an existing director’s Board and committee attendance and performance; length of Board service; the experience, skills and contributions that the existing director brings to the Board; and independence.

Director Nomination Process. The Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee has adopted a process to identify and evaluate individuals to be nominated for election to the Board of Directors. For purposes of identifying nominees, the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee relies on personal contacts of the committee members and other members of the Board of Directors, as well as its knowledge of members of the communities served by the Company and its subsidiaries. The Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee will also consider director candidates recommended by stockholders in accordance with the policy and procedures set forth below. The Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee has not previously used an independent search firm to identify nominees.

In evaluating potential nominees, the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee determines whether the candidate is eligible and qualified for service on the Board of Directors by evaluating the candidate under certain criteria, which are described above under “Minimum Qualifications.” If such individual fulfills these criteria, the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee will conduct a check

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of the individual’s background and interview the candidate to further assess the qualities of the prospective nominee and the contributions he or she would make to the Board.

Consideration of Recommendations by Stockholders. It is the policy of the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company to consider director candidates recommended by stockholders who appear to be qualified to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors. The Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee may choose not to consider an unsolicited recommendation if no vacancy exists on the Board of Directors and the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee does not perceive a need to increase the size of the Board of Directors. To avoid the unnecessary use of the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee’s resources, the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee will consider only those director candidates recommended in accordance with the procedures set forth below.

Procedures to be Followed by Stockholders. To submit a recommendation of a director candidate to the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee, a stockholder should submit the following information in writing, addressed to the Chairman of the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee, care of the Corporate Secretary, at the main office of the Company:

1.                                      The name of the person recommended as a director candidate;

2.                                      All information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;

3.                                      The written consent of the person being recommended as a director candidate to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected;

4.                                      As to the stockholder making the recommendation, the name and address of such stockholder as it appears on the Company’s books; provided, however, that if the stockholder is not a registered holder of the Company’s common stock, the stockholder should submit his or her name and address along with a current written statement from the record holder of the shares that reflects ownership of the Company’s common stock; and

5.                                      A statement disclosing whether such stockholder is acting with or on behalf of any other person and, if applicable, the identity of such person.

In order for a director candidate to be considered for nomination at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders, the recommendation must be received by the Corporate Governance/Nominating Committee at least 120 calendar days before the date the Company’s proxy statement was released to stockholders in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting, advanced by one (1) year.

Capital Committee

The Capital Committee assists the Board of Directors in planning for future capital needs.  The Capital Committee is also responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations pertaining to capital structure and levels.  In accordance with its charter, a majority of the directors serving on the Capital Committee must meet the definition of independent director under the listing requirements of The New York Stock Exchange.  The Committee presently has six (6) members and is chaired by Mr. Mahoney.

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Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee assists the Board of Directors in: (1) overseeing management’s program to limit or control the material business risks that confront the Company; and (2) approving policies and procedures designed to lead to an understanding of and to identify, control, monitor and measure the material business risks of the Company and its subsidiaries. These material business risks include, but are not limited to, credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, regulatory risk, legal risk, operational risk, strategic risk and reputation risk. The Risk Management Committee presently has four (4) members and is chaired by Mr. Curley.

Board and Committee Meetings

During 2014, the Board of Directors held 10 meetings. All of the current directors attended at least 70% of the total number of the board meetings and committee meetings held on which such directors served during 2014.

Director Attendance at Annual Meeting of Stockholders

The Board of Directors encourages each director to attend annual meetings of stockholders. All but 5 directors attended the 2014 annual meeting of stockholders.

Code of Business Conduct

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct that is designed to promote the highest standards of ethical conduct by the Company’s directors, executive officers and employees. The Code of Business Conduct, which applies to all employees and directors, addresses conflicts of interest, the treatment of confidential information, general employee conduct and compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. In addition, the Code of Business Conduct is designed to deter wrongdoing and promote honest and ethical conduct, the avoidance of conflicts of interest, full and accurate disclosure and compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct can be found in the Governance Documents portion of the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website (www.berkshirebank.com).

Audit Committee Report

The Company’s management is responsible for the Company’s internal controls and financial reporting process. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and issuing an opinion on the fair presentation of those financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The independent registered public accounting firm is also responsible for issuing an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on criteria issued by the Committee on Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Audit Committee oversees the Company’s internal controls and financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors.

In this context, the Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. Management represented to the Audit Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and provided its Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication With Audit Committees), including the quality, not just the acceptability, of the

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accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of the disclosures in the financial statements. The Audit Committee discussed with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for its audit. The Audit Committee meets with the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of its examination, its evaluation of the Company’s internal controls, and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.

In addition, the Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence. In concluding that the registered public accounting firm is independent, the Audit Committee considered, among other factors, whether the non-audit services provided by the firm were compatible with its independence.

In performing all of these functions, the Audit Committee acts only in an oversight capacity. In its oversight role, the Audit Committee relies on the work and assurances of the Company’s management, which has the primary responsibility for financial statements and reports, and of the independent registered public accounting firm that, in its report, expresses an opinion on the fairness and conformity of the Company’s financial statements to generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee’s oversight does not provide it with an independent basis to determine that management has maintained appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles or policies, 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 with management and the independent registered public accounting firm do not assure that the Company’s financial statements are presented fairly in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, that the audit of the Company’s financial statements has been carried out in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards or that the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is “independent.”

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board has approved, that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee also has approved, subject to stockholder ratification, the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015.

Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

Susan M. Hill, Chair

John W. Altmeyer

Richard J. Murphy

Barton D. Raser

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Director Compensation

The Company uses a combination of cash and restricted stock to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on the Board. Restricted stock grants are intended to align directors’ interests with those of the Company’s stockholders. The Compensation and Corporate Governance/Nominating Committees review director compensation and benefits annually and make recommendations to the Board. The following table provides the compensation received by individuals who served as directors (except for Mr. Daly, whose compensation is reported in the Summary Compensation Table below) of the Company during the 2014 fiscal year. This table excludes perquisites which did not exceed $10,000 in the aggregate for each director.

(1)              Represents the grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards which has been computed in accordance with the stock based accounting rules under FASB ASC Topic 718 (formerly FAS 123(R)). Amounts shown are the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock awards, with the grant date fair value based on the closing price of our common stock on the applicable grant date.   No option awards were granted to any director in 2014. As of December 31, 2014, each director (except for Mr. Daly, whose compensation is reported in the Summary Compensation Table below) had the following number of unvested shares of restricted stock and stock options outstanding:

(2)              Reflects the dollar value of dividends paid on stock awards.

(3)              On January 23, 2014, Mr. Auriemma resigned from the Board of Directors and the Board appointed Richard J. Murphy as a director to serve for the remainder of Mr. Auriemma’s term.

(4)              On June 27, 2014, Mr. Bossidy retired from the Board of Directors and the Board appointed William J. Ryan as a director and as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, to serve for the remainder of Mr. Bossidy’s term.

(5)              The total amount included in “All Other Compensation” reflects Mr. Curley’s salary in the amount of $100,000 as Chairman of the New York region of Berkshire Bank, dividends of $3,070, a non-elective 401(k) contribution of $3,000, and club dues of $2,324.

(6)              Mr. Dunlaevy recognized $85 in imputed income on split dollar insurance.

(7)              Ms. Hill recognized $1,509 in imputed income on split dollar insurance.

(8)              Mr. Murphy was appointed to the Board of Directors on January 23, 2014.

(9)              Mr. Raser recognized $11 in imputed income on split dollar insurance.

(10)       Mr. Ryan was appointed to the Board of Directors on June 27, 2014.

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Retainers for Non-Employee Directors. The following table sets forth the applicable retainers that will be paid to our non-employee directors for their service on our Board of Directors during 2015.

Endorsement Agreement with Geno Auriemma. We entered into an Endorsement Agreement with Mr. Auriemma effective May 10, 2012. Under the agreement, Mr. Auriemma has agreed to serve as a marketing spokesman for Berkshire Bank during the term of his agreement. In exchange for his services, we have agreed to pay Mr. Auriemma $120,000 annually for a term of four (4) years.  On January 23, 2014, Mr. Auriemma resigned from the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank. Mr. Auriemma has continued to serve as a spokesperson for the Bank in accordance with the terms of the Endorsement Agreement, which was amended after Mr. Auriemma’s resignation from the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank to increase his annual compensation under the Endorsement Agreement to $175,000.

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Stock Ownership

The following table provides information as of March 12, 2015, with respect to persons known by the Company to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. A person may be considered to own any shares of common stock over which he or she has, directly or indirectly, sole or shared voting or investing power. Percentages are based on 25,250,136 shares outstanding at March 12, 2015.

(1)         Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5, 2015.

(2)         Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on January 30, 2015.

(3)         Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 10, 2015.

(4)         Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2015.

The following table provides information about the shares of Company common stock that are owned by each director or nominee for director (if any) of the Company, by the current executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table (the “Named Executive Officers” or the “NEOs”) and the aggregate number of shares owned by all directors, nominees for director (if any) and Named Executive Officers as a group as of March 12, 2015. A person may be considered to own any shares of common stock over which he or she has, directly or indirectly, sole or shared voting or investment power. Unless otherwise indicated, each of the named individuals has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown and none of the shares shown have been pledged. The number of shares and options exercisable within 60 days owned by all directors, nominees for director (if any) and Named Executive Officers as a group totaled 2.8% of our outstanding common stock as of March 12, 2015.  Each director and Named Executive Officer owned less than 1.0% of our outstanding common stock as of that date.  Percentages are based on 25,250,136 shares outstanding at March 12, 2015.

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(1)         This column includes the following:

(2)            Includes 4,472 shares held by Mr. Altmeyer’s spouse.

(3)              Mr. Paul T. Bossidy was appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors on March 19, 2015.

(4)              Includes 1,025 shares held jointly with Mr. Daly’s mother.

(5)              Includes 3,400 shares held by an LLC.

(6)            Includes 8,457 shares held by Mr. Dunlaevy’s spouse and 5,226 shares held in an employee stock ownership plan.

(7)              Includes 322 shares held by Ms. Hill’s spouse’s IRA.

(8)            Includes 13,234 shares held by a company.

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Proposals to be Voted on by Stockholders

Proposal 1 — Election of Directors

The Company’s Board of Directors currently consists of 14 members. The Board is divided into three (3) classes, each with three-year staggered terms, with one-third of the directors elected each year. The nominees for election this year are William J. Ryan, Robert M. Curley, Barton D. Raser, D. Jeffrey Templeton, and Richard J. Murphy, all of whom are current directors of the Company and the Bank.

It is intended that the proxies solicited by the Board of Directors will be voted for the election of the nominees named above. If any nominee is unable to serve, the persons named in the proxy card will vote your shares to approve the election of any substitute proposed by the Board of Directors. At this time, the Board of Directors knows of no reason why any nominee might be unable to serve.  Except as indicated herein, there are no arrangements or understandings between the nominees and any other person pursuant to which such nominees were selected.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the election of all nominees.

Information regarding the nominees and the directors continuing in office is provided below. Unless otherwise stated, each individual has held his or her current occupation for the last five (5) years. The age indicated in each nominee’s biography is as of December 31, 2014. There are no family relationships among the directors or executive officers. The indicated period for service as a director includes service as a director of the Bank.

Board Nominees for Terms Ending in 2018

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Proposal 2 — Advisory (Non-Binding) Vote on Executive Compensation

In accordance with Section 14A of the Exchange Act, stockholders are being given the opportunity to vote on an advisory (non-binding) resolution at the Annual Meeting to approve our executive compensation, as described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” compensation tables and narrative discussion of Named Executive Officer compensation in this proxy statement. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives stockholders the opportunity to endorse or not endorse the Company’s executive pay program.

The purpose of our compensation policies and procedures is to attract and retain experienced, highly qualified executives critical to the Company’s long-term success and enhancement of stockholder value. The Board of Directors believes the Company’s compensation policies and procedures achieve this objective, and therefore recommend stockholders vote “FOR” the proposal.

“Resolved, that the compensation paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed in this proxy statement pursuant to Item 402 of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion, is hereby approved.”

Is the Stockholder Vote Binding on the Company? This is an advisory vote only, and neither the Company nor the Board of Directors will be bound to take action based upon the outcome. The Compensation Committee will consider the vote of the stockholders when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

The Board recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” this proposal.

Proposal 3 — Ratification of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2014 was PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The Audit Committee has reappointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2015, subject to ratification by the stockholders at the annual meeting. A representative of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is expected to be present at the annual meeting to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders and will have the opportunity to make a statement should he or she desire to do so.

Stockholder ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not required by the Company’s bylaws or otherwise. However, the Board of Directors is submitting the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the ratification of the appointment of the firm is not approved by a majority of the

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votes cast by stockholders at the annual meeting, other independent registered public accounting firms may be considered by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 2015 fiscal year.

Audit Fees.  The following table sets forth the fees billed to the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP:

(1)              Includes fees for the financial statement and internal control over financial reporting audits and quarterly reviews.

(2)              Fees in 2014 relate to purchase accounting, compliance testing, employee benefit plans, system conversion and Form S-4 registration statement.  Fees in 2013 relate to purchase accounting, compliance testing, and employee benefit plans.

(3)              Consists of tax return preparation, and tax-related compliance and services.  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP did not perform any tax return preparation, or tax-related compliance and services for the Company in 2013.

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Audit Committee is responsible for appointing, setting compensation and overseeing the work of the independent registered public accounting firm. In accordance with its charter, the Audit Committee approves, in advance, all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm. Such approval process ensures that the external auditor does not provide any non-audit services to the Company that are prohibited by law or regulation.

In addition, the Audit Committee has established a policy regarding pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. Requests for services by the independent registered public accounting firm must be specific as to the particular services to be provided for compliance with the auditor services policy.

The request may be made with respect to either specific services or a type of service for predictable or recurring services.

During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, all services were approved, in advance, by the Audit Committee in compliance with these procedures.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

This section explains how we compensate Named Executive Officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table that follows.  The Named Executive Officers consist of the CEO and members of the executive team.  Compensation for our executive team is determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

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Executive Summary

The following section highlights our key performance results and compensation considerations for our 2014 executive compensation program.

Our Performance

Berkshire continued to build the franchise in 2014, demonstrating the ability to grow both organically and through acquisition.  Our footprint, our culture and our vision are clear differentiators for us in our markets and they amplify the power of the franchise we’ve built.  Our achievements this year included:

·                  Integrated 20 branches in Central New York adding more than 60,000 new customers.

·                  Recruited experienced teams/leaders in commercial banking, small business banking, wealth management, mortgage banking, finance and treasury.

·                  Opened two new branches, including a regional hub in Westborough, and consolidated four branches to best optimize our network.

·                  Rolled out enhanced mobile and online security and account features for our customers.

·                  Implemented leading enterprise risk management platform, upgrading our risk management processes and controls.

·                  Improved internal financial reporting and profitability analysis, rolled out real-time pricing models, and implemented new mortgage system and purchased loan accounting system.

·                  Launched a successful marketing partnership with the New England Sports Network (NESN) as the official bank of Boston Bruins coverage on NESN, leading to enhanced brand awareness across New England and particularly in our Eastern markets.

·                  Announced an agreement to acquire Hampden Bancorp, a $700 million asset bank headquartered in Springfield, MA.

·                  Successfully transitioned leadership of the Board of Directors with the addition of William J.  Ryan, Former Chairman and CEO of TD Banknorth, as independent Chairman.

·                  Changed the Bank’s charter to a commercial bank charter and the Company’s status to bank holding company status, to reflect growth and progress.

Performance Highlights in 2014

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During the year core earnings per share grew by $0.02 per quarter from $0.40 to $0.48. Core earnings are net of ongoing investment in the business including new branches and investment in teams and infrastructure.  Results included the benefit of active balance sheet management as demonstrated by an improvement in the net interest margin in the final quarter of the year.  Improvement in financial condition was evidenced by a 5% increase in total stockholder’s equity and improvement in the loan to deposit ratio to 101%.

Pay and Performance Alignment

Our compensation program is based on an overarching goal to reward our executives commensurate with the performance achieved and value delivered to our shareholders.  We ensure this alignment by:

·                  Measuring our success through a balanced portfolio of performance metrics that reward corporate and individual success.

·                  Focusing a significant amount of executive compensation on variable/performance-based pay for both short and long-term compensation.

·                  Rewarding a sustained, multi-year view of performance.

·                  Providing a significant portion of our incentive compensation in equity based compensation to further align executive interests with those of our shareholders.

The pie chart below illustrates the target total compensation mix for our CEO and NEOs.  A substantial portion of compensation is in variable/performance based pay.

The Board believes that our executive compensation program provides an appropriate balance that rewards short-term results while keeping focused on delivering long-term performance and increased shareholder value.  Below we summarize the key financial metrics used in our 2014 short and long-term incentive plans.    During 2014, our performance was measured by the following balanced portfolio of incentive metrics:

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Further details about the short term and long term incentive plans are described in the remainder of the CD&A.  Total 2014 payout is as follows:

·                  2014 short term incentive payout was 149% of the target set for 2014.  Management exceeded target performance in all plan measures as well as other strategic accomplishments as noted in the Executive Summary above.

·                  January 2015 vesting under 2012 long term incentive plan maturing in 2014 was 50% of the total award available.  Management achieved the ROE target, but missed the three year EPS threshold by 0.4% due to adverse market developments in 2013.

Other Compensation Program and Governance Highlights

·                  Long-term/equity incentives reflect 50% performance shares (which vest based on 3 year performance results) and 50% time vesting shares, to provide balance between performance and retention.

·                  A significant portion of executive pay is stock based-compensation to reflect our desire to retain a broader view of long-term results and shareholder alignment.

·                  Stock ownership and retention guidelines encourage our executives to own and retain stock; all of our executives meet, or are on target to meet, our stock ownership guideline policy.

·                  All incentive pay is subject to forfeiture under our clawback policy.

In summary, the Compensation Committee and Board of Directors carefully monitor executive pay-performance alignment and our programs provide variability year-to-year and over the long-term that reflects our performance.

Shareholder Vote.  At our annual 2014 meeting, our shareholders overwhelmingly supported our “say-on-pay” resolution with  96% of the votes cast voting to approve the executive compensation disclosed in last year’s proxy statement.  The Committee considers the shareholder advisory vote from the most recent annual meeting, along with commentary from proxy advisory firms that opined on the matters voted on at the meeting.

Role of the Compensation Committee, Management and Compensation Consultant

Role of the Compensation Committee.  The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for discharging the Board’s duties in executive compensation matters and for administering the Company’s incentive and equity-based plans. The Committee oversees the development and

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implementation of the total compensation program for Berkshire’s Named Executive Officers (the “Executives”).  Throughout the following discussion and analysis, we refer to the Compensation Committee as “the Committee.”

The Committee has the responsibility for establishing, implementing and continually monitoring adherence with our Executive Compensation Philosophy.  The Committee ensures that the total compensation paid to the Executives is fair, reasonable and performance-based while aligning with shareholder interests.

Details on the Committee’s functions are more fully described in its charter, which has been approved by the Board of Directors and is available on our website.  To fulfill its charter and responsibilities, the Committee met throughout the year, meeting 6 times in 2014, and also may take action by written consent. The Chair of the Committee regularly reports on Committee actions at meetings of the Company’s Board.

The Committee reviews all compensation components for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Executives, including base salary, annual incentive, long-term incentives/equity, benefits and other perquisites. In addition to reviewing competitive market values, the Committee examines the total compensation mix, pay-for-performance relationship, and how all elements, in aggregate, comprise the Executive’s total compensation package. The Committee also reviews the employment contract with the Chief Executive Officer and the Change in Control agreements with the Executives.  The Committee and management consider the accounting and tax consequences of the compensation plans prior to making changes to the plans.

The Committee reviews the Chief Executive Officer’s performance annually and makes decisions regarding the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, including base salary, incentives and equity grants based on this review. Input and data from the Executive Vice President of Human Resources and outside independent compensation and legal consultants and advisors are provided as a matter of practice and as requested by the Committee to provide external reference and perspective. While the Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations on the other Named Executive Officers, the Committee is ultimately responsible for approving compensation for all Named Executive Officers. The Committee reviews its decisions with the full Board of Directors.

The Committee has the sole authority and resources to obtain advice and assistance from internal or external legal, human resource, accounting or other advisors or consultants as it deems desirable or appropriate. The Committee has direct access to outside legal and compensation advisors and consultants throughout the year as they relate to executive compensation.  The Committee has direct access to and meets periodically with the compensation consultant independently of management.

Role of the Compensation Consultant. The Committee engages Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC (“Meridian” or “Consultant”) to serve as independent advisor to the Committee. During 2014, Meridian presented an annual education session to the Committee, conducted executive and board market analyses, assisted with the development of the peer group and the proxy, and responded to other ad hoc requests of the Committee.

The Consultant reported directly to the Committee and carried out their responsibilities to the Committee in coordination with the Company’s Human Resources Department, as requested by the Committee.  The Committee Chair has regular contact with the Consultant outside meetings as appropriate.  The Committee has reviewed Meridian services and determined that Meridian is independent with respect to SEC standards as well as Company policy.

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Role of Management.  Although the Committee makes independent determinations on all matters related to compensation of the Named Executive Officers, certain members of management may be requested to attend or provide input to the Committee.  Input may be sought from the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President Human Resources, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President Risk Management or others to ensure the Committee has the information and perspective it needs to carry out its duties.

In particular, the Committee seeks input from the Chief Executive Officer on matters relating to strategic objectives, Company performance goals and input on his assessment of the other Named Executive Officers.  The Executive Vice President of Human Resources often assists the Committee on matters of design, administration and operation of the Company’s compensation programs.  The Executive Vice President of Human Resources may be requested, on the Committee’s behalf, to provide proposals or work with their independent consultant to develop proposals for the Committee’s consideration.  The Executive Vice President of Human Resources reports to the Compensation Committee directly on such matters.  The Committee also receives updates from the Company’s Chief Risk Officer and Chief Financial Officer throughout the year as appropriate.

Although the Executives may provide insight, suggestions or recommendations regarding executive compensation, they are not present during the Compensation Committee’s deliberations or vote.  Only Committee members vote on decisions regarding executive compensation.  The Committee regularly meets in executive session without management present.

Compensation Philosophy & Pay Considerations

The overall principle guiding executive compensation at the Company is to reward executives commensurate with performance.

The Committee believes that the success of our Company depends on our ability to attract and retain talented executives motivated to drive the Company’s growth goals and deliver value to its stockholders. Ultimately our compensation programs are designed to achieve overarching goals that motivate and reward performance, ensure sound risk management, and deliver long-term value to our shareholders.  To achieve these objectives, the Committee regularly reviews our compensation and incentive programs to ensure they align with these core objectives and modifies as needed.  We assess our program from the perspective of our shareholders and regulators, considering best practices and making improvements as appropriate.

Performance reflects short and long-term performance, Company and individual performance as measured by our absolute performance goals, and our long-term relative performance as compared to the industry.  We believe our balanced and holistic view of performance helps ensure we motivate the right behaviors and results that are in line with the interests of our shareholders.  Our compensation programs are managed within the context of our overall budgeting, planning and cost management programs.

As a result of our balanced perspective, our compensation reflects a combination of different reward elements, which allow us to reward performance without overemphasizing any one element, one performance measure or one period of time.

In summary, we provide a total compensation program that is competitive, performance driven, shareholder aligned, balanced, and reflects sound risk management practices.  We set specific performance goals that align with our strategy and support our annual and long-term plans, but also

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recognize the need to be responsive and flexible in today’s challenging environment.  We believe this approach also helps to ensure our program does not motivate our executives to take undue risks.

How our Philosophy and Decisions Support our Objectives.

The following table summarizes the key objectives of our total compensation program and how our program supports these goals.

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Compensation Decision Process and Factors Considered.

The Committee’s decisions throughout the year are supported by various analyses, information and input including, but not limited to:

Further details on several of these analysis and factors are described below.

Competitive Benchmarking.  In the fall of each year, the Committee’s independent compensation consultant conducts a competitive market analysis using the peer group and other industry survey data.    The purpose of this assessment is to provide market perspective to the Committee as it sets base salaries and incentive opportunities for the next year.  In addition, the peer group is used to assess pay-performance alignment on a retrospective basis. The Committee believes that ongoing monitoring of the Company’s programs and pay decisions enables them to assess the effectiveness of its pay decision and ensure the executive compensation program meets desired objectives.

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The peer group developed by Meridian was used by the Committee to set 2014 salaries and incentive target opportunities.  The purpose of these reviews is to provide regular, independent, and objective analyses of all elements of compensation (individually and in the aggregate), relative to market and peer group practice.  In addition to competitive benchmarking, the Consultant conducted several analyses assessing the pay-performance relationship to assist the Committee in monitoring longer-term effectiveness.

Peer Group Criteria: The peer group is based on objective parameters that reflect institutions of similar asset size (approximately ½ - 2x Berkshire’s assets) and located in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region.  Although Berkshire has been a thrift from a regulatory perspective, the Bank competes with commercial banks and in 2014 converted its charter to commercial bank.  Berkshire’s size, as measured by assets, is positioned near median of the peer group.

The following group shows the peer companies for 2014 pay comparisons:

*Provident New York Bancorp merged with Sterling Bancorp on 10/31/13

In addition to the peer group data, the consultant used several other sources of data to identify general compensation trends, as well as published industry surveys and a proprietary database of national banking compensation data. The data used reflected banks representing similar asset size and region to the Company.

Tally Sheets.  The Committee reviews tally sheets annually that summarize all elements of executive compensation and benefits. The tally sheets enable the Committee to see a snapshot of all compensation elements in a singular summary. Tally sheets are discussed annually with the full Board to ensure all members understand the components of executive compensation. While it is treated primarily for information and understanding, it is an additional view the Committee may consider in making compensation decisions or program changes in the future.

Internal Equity.  The Committee receives feedback from the Chief Executive Officer related to key executive roles and relationships. In some cases, there is a goal to retain similar pay levels (e.g. to support a “team” approach) whereas, at other times there is a desire to provide differentiation to reflect unique roles, contribution, or performance. The Chief Executive Officer provides input to the Committee regularly so that such internal relationships can be reviewed and considered by the Committee in pay decisions. The Committee also reviews the relationship between the Chief Executive Officer and other senior executives. The goal is to ensure that relationships between executives appropriately reflect differences in roles and performance.

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Pay-Performance Analysis.  Ensuring and sustaining a proper pay-performance relationship is a key objective for the Committee.  As such, the Committee’s independent consultant regularly conducts analyses to monitor pay-performance alignment, particularly with regards to the Chief Executive Officer.  The goal is to use this information proactively to monitor pay opportunity ranges and retroactively to assess the actual pay delivered based on performance. During 2014, the consultant provided the following information/analyses to facilitate the Committee’s ongoing review:

·                  Actual pay delivered — the level of pay received/granted for the fiscal year (includes base salary, annual incentives and equity grants which represent potential value).

·                  Total pay opportunity ranges — the target opportunities and potential compensation that could be received/granted based on the Company’s total pay guidelines and minimum and stretch performance.  This provides the Committee an overview of the range of pay that an executive may receive under different performance scenarios.

·                  Realizable pay — a periodic review of the average of three years cumulative pay realized by executive based on performance and stock price (considers base salary, actual bonus, current in the money value of stock options and current value of stock awards).  The amount of pay actually realized by the executive is compared to executives at the Bank’s peer companies to determine relative alignment.

·                  Performance — three year total shareholder return and other key financial metrics were reviewed and considered for Berkshire and peers.

Best Practices.  The Committee regularly seeks education and information related to emerging best practices. Regular updates, presentations and information from the Committee’s advisors and consultants were provided throughout the year.  In addition, the Committee requests the Compensation Consultant to provide a formal education session annually to include input on best practices and emerging trends.

Compensation Components and 2014 Decisions

The Company’s compensation program consists of four main components: Base Salary, Annual Incentives, Long-Term Incentive/Equity, and Benefits and Perquisites.  The following section summarizes the role of each component, how decisions are made and the resulting 2014 decision process as it relates to the Named Executive Officers.

Base Salary

Purpose, Philosophy and Process.  The Company believes the purpose of base salary is to provide competitive and fair base compensation that recognizes each executive’s role, responsibilities, experience and performance. Base salary represents fixed compensation that is targeted to be competitive with the practices of comparable financial institutions in the region. Each year our compensation consultant provides pay range guidelines based on its competitive assessment considering a composite of market data from the custom proxy peer group as well as other data sources of banking compensation information.  Our competitive range reflects a range around market median. The Committee uses this range in making ongoing base salary decisions for each executive.

In December of each year, the Committee reviews each executive’s base pay relative to competitive market practice, individual experience, expertise, performance and contributions in preparation for January considerations.  Base salaries are not automatically increased each year and the review does not always result in a base pay adjustment.  Input from the Chief Executive Officer is

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considered in setting the executive salaries while the Committee is solely responsible for determining the Chief Executive Officer’s salary.

2014 Decisions.  The Committee considers the market range for the positions and relative salaries, as well as the financial and economic environment.  In January 2014 the Committee reviewed market data, individual performance and the growth of the Company and approved the following salaries for its Named Executive Officers.

·                  President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael P. Daly — The Committee approved an increase from $575,000 to $630,000.

·                  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Josephine Iannelli was promoted to this position January 2014  with a base salary of $325,000, which remained unchanged in 2014.

·                  Executive Vice President, Retail Banking, Sean A. Gray — The Committee approved an increase from $350,000 to $375,000.

·                  Executive Vice President, Chief Risk and Administrative Officer, Richard R. Marotta — The Committee approved an increase from $350,000 to $400,000.

·                  Executive Vice President Commercial Lending, George Bacigalupo was promoted to this position in October 2013 with a base salary of $325,000, which remained unchanged in 2014.

Executive Incentive Plan — Short Term Incentives

Purpose, Philosophy and Process.  The primary objective of our Executive Incentive Plan is to motivate and reward executives for achieving specific Company, department and individual goals that support our strategic plan. Rewards under this plan represent compensation that must be re-earned each year based on Company and individual performance.

Company goals are defined each year and approved by the full Board. At the beginning of each year, the Chief Executive Officer proposes draft goals for the Company component of the incentive plan with the Committee.  The Committee discusses the proposed Company goals with the Chief Executive Officer, incorporates appropriate modifications and, once approved, reviews with the full Board.  The Company goals serve to fund the incentive plan.

The Committee then works with the Chief Executive Officer to jointly define his individual goals. The Chief Executive Officer develops individual goals for each Executive based on the strategic plan/budget and reflective of his/her role.

Incentive award targets and ranges are reviewed and established annually by the Committee based on the Consultant’s market benchmarking analysis of similarly sized financial institutions and in line with our goal to provide a meaningful, but risk balanced, portion of total compensation that is based on annual results. For 2014, target annual incentive opportunities were 50% of base salary for the Chief Executive Officer and 35% for other Named Executive Officers. Actual payouts, however, are expected to vary each year based on a combination of Company and individual performance.  Corporate funding for the plan can range from 0% - 150% of target, individual performance can vary from 0% - 150%, but no individual awards can exceed 200% of target in aggregate.  (Target Annual incentives for Named Executive Officers represent approximately 21% — 24% of an executive’s target total direct compensation).

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Once funding of the plan is known, individual performance is assessed to determine the actual awards.  At the end of the performance year, the Chief Executive Officer provides the Committee with a summary of each Executive’s performance and incentive recommendations based on their individual performance results relative to specific goals set at the start of the year. The Committee conducts a similar review of the Chief Executive Officer, which includes input from the Board of Directors, assessing individual goals and overall contributions for the year. The Committee determines the Chief Executive Officer award and approves the executive officer awards. The Committee retains the discretion to modify incentive payouts based on significant individual or Company performance shortfalls and/or regulatory and safety and soundness considerations and in consideration of risk management goals The Committee also has the discretion to make the award, or a portion of the award, payable in the form of equity, if desired, to facilitate Executives’ ownership guidelines.

Company Measures and Funding of the Plan.  In order for the Plan to pay any awards, the Company must first achieve a trigger/gate level of performance.  The gate for 2014 was defined at 75% of the budgeted core net income. Once the gate is achieved, the size of the incentive pool funding is determined based on Company performance relative to three goals:  Core Earnings (50%), Expense Management (25%), and Asset quality (25%).  Each goal has a defined range of acceptable performance (threshold, target and stretch).  If threshold is achieved, 50% of the pool is funded for that metric.  Target performance funds the pool at 100% and stretch performance funds at 150%.  The Committee also considers the achievement of the Company’s strategic plan/goals and can modify the pool +/- 15% based on its assessment of performance of these broader initiatives. In addition, the Committee will consider and discuss overall risk and can adjust the pool downward to reflect any risk or regulatory issues.  The objective is to ensure our incentive plan is funded appropriately based on profits and strategic results.

Short Term Incentive Plan - 2014 Corporate Scorecard — Determines Incentive Pool Funding

The measures above are non-GAAP Performance Measures, as described below.

Non-GAAP Incentive Performance Measures:  Core measures are intended to identify the normalized operating level of revenue, expense, and earnings. Core measures exclude the after-tax impact of non-core items.  The Company provides further detail on and discussion of these non-core adjustments in its quarterly earnings releases filed with the SEC on Form 8-K and its presentation of non-GAAP measures in Form 10-K wherein core net income is described as adjusted net income.  Non-core items in 2014 included merger, restructuring, and conversion expenses; securities gains; and hedge termination losses — which are identified on the Statement of Income.  Non-core items in 2014 also included an out-of-period interest revenue adjustment and a related variable compensation expense adjustment.  The Board, in its acceptance of the financial statements, reviews and approves the classification of revenue and expense items as non-core.  The Criticized Assets Ratio is the ratio of Criticized Assets to the sum of Tier 1 Capital and the Loan Loss Allowance.  Criticized assets are those assets rated Special Mention or worse in Berkshire’s risk rating system.  Tier 1 Capital is a regulatory capital measure of Berkshire Bank.  This ratio compares asset quality to bank capital as a measure of soundness.

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Individual Performance. Once the incentive pool is approved by the Committee, awards are then allocated based on each participant’s individual performance and contributions toward the Company’s strategic goals. This design is intended to provide a balance of “team” through the overall plan funding, but allows actual allocation of the awards to reflect individual contributions toward the Company’s success.

2014 Decisions.  The Corporate Scorecard resulted in funding of 138.3%.  In accordance with the Plan, the Committee then considered achievements relative to key strategic initiatives and adjusted the funding 8% (out of the maximum of 15%) to bring the total funding to 149.4% of target.  The Committee recognized that many important strategic advances were accomplished which are expected to provide long term benefits.  In addition to highlights reported in the Executive Summary, the Committee also considered the following attributes of Company management:

·                  Improved enterprise risk management (“ERM”) through implementation of a leading ERM system

·                  Ongoing team and talent recruitment

·                  Active balance sheet management to support corporate objectives

·                  Balanced investment in branch and mobile banking capabilities

·                  Closed and integrated BofA branch acquisition

·                  Entered into merger agreement with Hampden Bancorp

·                  Updated acquired portfolio system and analytics

Below is a summary of the specific 2014 results and funding for the executive incentive plan:

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Once the Pool is funded, individual awards are typically distributed in recognition of each Named Executive Officer’s individual performance.  Below is a summary of each executive’s performance as considered by the Committee:

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Long-Term Incentive/Equity Compensation

Purpose, Philosophy and Process.  The Company’s long-term incentive/equity compensation program is designed to align executives with long-term interests of the Company and shareholders, provide reward for superior performance, encourage stock ownership and enhance our ability to retain our top performers.

Each year in January, the Executives are considered for long-term incentive awards under the Company’s 2011 Equity Incentive Plan and 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.  The Committee determines the form and amount of equity awards based on consideration of competitive market practice, Company performance and individual performance.  The Committee is authorized, at its discretion, to grant equity compensation in proportion and upon such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine.

2014 Plan Design and Awards.  Grants are allocated with the goal to provide competitive awards that provide a meaningful portion of total compensation in stock-based awards. The awards are intended to reward superior performance, provide retention of our key executives, balance compensation rewards with risk through long-term vesting tied to performance, and align executives with our stockholders.

For 2014, target equity grants were defined as 75% of base salary for the Chief Executive Officer and 50% of base salary for other Named Executive Officers. Grants are made based upon recommendation of the CEO (for direct reports) and approved by the Committee (for CEO and the Executives) in consideration of each Executive’s past performance and future expected contribution. When making grants, the CEO and Committee also consider the market range for the positions as well as the financial and economic environment.

Once the award value is determined, the actual grant is split into two components:

The 2014 Performance Shares vest after three years only if certain future goals are achieved.  For the 2014 grants, performance (and vesting) will be weighted 50% based on Average Core ROE Rank compared to an industry index; and 50% based on cumulative Core EPS (an absolute goal).  For our relative goal, we use an industry index to represent an objective/external comparator with predefined criteria (exchange traded banks and thrifts between $2 billion and $12 billion in assets located in New England or Mid-Atlantic regions, excluding MHCs). The Core EPS goal represents a cumulative three year goal that is set at the start of the performance period and is approved by the Committee.  The Company focuses on measures of Core EPS and Core ROE which reflect underlying operating trends in addition to GAAP measures which include non-recurring charges, particularly related to merger and acquisition activity.  The Board requires satisfactory support for all non-core items recorded by management as part of its overall performance management review.  Non-core net income is reported as adjusted net income in the Company’s Report on Form 10-K.

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The 2014 grants awarded in January (and October solely for Ms. Iannelli) are summarized below and in our “Grants of Plan Based Awards” table herein.

2014 Long-Term Awards Granted

Mr. Bacigalupo did not receive a grant under the 2014 Executive Incentive Plan due to an earlier grant in connection with his promotion in October 2013.

2014 Special Equity Grant

During 2014, the Company continued to integrate and assimilate recent acquisitions despite the 2013 departures of the prior CFO and Head of Commercial Lending.  Their departure resulted in a reallocation of duties to the remaining Executives. The leadership team members took on additional responsibilities while facilitating the restructuring of the Company for overall greater efficiency through the transition of bringing on a new CFO and Head of Commercial Lending.  The CEO and Committee recognized the criticality of retaining continuity of these highly experienced top performing executives and keeping them focused on the long-term performance of the Company.  The Committee approved one-time grants with a goal to retain, motivate and keep the team focused on the ultimate objective — driving performance and resulting shareholder value.  The grants consisted of restricted stock with equal annual vesting over a three year period.  Each annual vesting award is subject to the Committee’s review and concurrence that appropriate progress has been made toward the execution of strategic goals for the year.

2014 Supplemental Grants

2012 Plan Performance and Vesting. The 2014 year concludes the performance grant under the 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan with three year performance goals and cliff vesting based on results over the three year period, 2012 - 2014.  The table below shows the performance matrix used by the Committee set in 2012 and assessed at the end of 2014 to determine vesting for the 2012 performance shares.

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2012 Long Term Incentive Plan - Corporate Scorecard Determines Performance Share Vesting