Edgar Filing: ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

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Definitive Proxy Statement

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. )

Filed by the Registrant x Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ¨

Check the appropriate box:


¨	Preliminary Proxy Statement

¨	Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

x	Definitive Proxy Statement

¨	Definitive Additional Materials

¨	Soliciting Material under Rule 14a-12

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.
(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)


(Name of person(s) filing proxy statement, if other than the registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

x	No fee required.

¨	Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

	(1)	Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

	(2)	Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

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

	(4)	Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

	(5)	Total fee paid:




¨	Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

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

	(1)	Amount Previously Paid:

	(2)	Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

	(3)	Filing Party:

	(4)	Date Filed:

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

200 Palmer Street

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360

January 27, 2012

Dear Fellow Stockholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. Our Annual Meeting will be held at Stroudsmoor Country Inn, located at RD #4, Stroudsmoor Road, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360, on March 1, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. local time.

The enclosed Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement describe the formal business to be transacted at the Annual Meeting, which includes a report on the operations of the Company. Directors and officers of the Company will be present to answer any questions that you and other stockholders may have. Also enclosed for your review is our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which contains detailed information concerning the activities and operating performance of the Company.

The business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting consists of the election of three directors, the ratification of the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C. as our independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and the consideration of an advisory, non-binding resolution with respect to the executive compensation described in the Proxy Statement. The Board of Directors has determined that the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting are in the best interest of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. and its stockholders, and the Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the election of the director nominees as well as each other matter to be considered.

Please indicate your vote by using the enclosed proxy card or by voting by telephone or Internet, even if you currently plan to attend the Annual Meeting. This will not prevent you from voting in person, but will assure that your vote is counted. Your vote is important.

Sincerely,

Gary S. Olson

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

200 Palmer Street

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360

(570) 421-0531

NOTICE OF

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held On March 1, 2012

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. will be held at Stroudsmoor Country Inn, located at RD #4, Stroudsmoor Road, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360, on March 1, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. local time.

A proxy statement and proxy card for the Annual Meeting are enclosed. The Annual Meeting is for the purpose of considering and acting upon:

the election of three directors;

the ratification of the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C. as independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012;

an advisory, non-binding resolution with respect to the executive compensation described in the Proxy Statement; and

such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting, and any adjournments or postponement thereof.

The Board is not aware of any other such business. Any action may be taken on the foregoing proposals at the Annual Meeting, including all adjournments thereof. Stockholders of record at the close of business on January 16, 2012 are the stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. A list of stockholders entitled to vote will be open and available for inspection at Stroudsmoor Country Inn, located at RD #4, Stroudsmoor Road, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360 during the entire Annual Meeting.


						By Order of the Board of Directors
						ESSA Bancorp, Inc.


Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania						Suzie T. Farley
January 27, 2012						Corporate Secretary

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES BE REPRESENTED AND VOTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. STOCKHOLDERS WHOSE SHARES ARE HELD IN REGISTERED FORM HAVE A CHOICE OF VOTING BY PROXY CARD, TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET, AS DESCRIBED ON YOUR PROXY CARD. STOCKHOLDERS WHOSE SHARES ARE HELD IN THE NAME OF A BROKER, BANK OR OTHER HOLDER OF RECORD MUST VOTE IN THE MANNER DIRECTED BY SUCH HOLDER. CHECK YOUR PROXY CARD OR THE INFORMATION FORWARDED BY YOUR BROKER, BANK OR OTHER HOLDER OF RECORD TO SEE WHICH OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU. ANY STOCKHOLDER OF RECORD PRESENT AT THE ANNUAL MEETING MAY WITHDRAW HIS OR HER PROXY AND VOTE PERSONALLY ON ANY MATTER PROPERLY BROUGHT BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING. IF YOU ARE A STOCKHOLDER WHOSE SHARES ARE NOT REGISTERED IN YOUR OWN NAME, YOU WILL NEED APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION FROM THE STOCKHOLDER OF RECORD TO VOTE IN PERSON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MARCH 1, 2012—THIS PROXY STATEMENT, PROXY CARD AND ESSA BANCORP, INC.’S 2011 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS ARE EACH AVAILABLE AT WWW.ESSAPROXY.COM.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


GENERAL INFORMATION			1
The 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders			1
Who Can Vote			2
How Many Votes You Have			2
Matters to Be Considered			2
How to Vote			2
Quorum and Vote Required			3
Revocability of Proxies			3
Solicitation of Proxies			4
Recommendation of the Board of Directors			4
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management			5
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance			7
PROPOSAL I - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS			8
Directors and Executive Officers			8
Nominees for Director			8
Continuing Directors			9
Executive Officers of ESSA Bank & Trust Who Are Not Also Directors			10
Corporate Governance and Code of Ethics and Business Conduct			10
Director Independence			10
Board Meetings and Committees			11
Compensation Committee			11
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee			11
Procedures for the Consideration of Board Candidates Submitted by Stockholders			12
Procedures for the Nomination of Directors by Stockholders			13
Stockholder Communications with the Board			13
Audit Committee			14
Audit Committee Report			14
Transactions with Certain Related Persons			15
Executive Compensation			16
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation			16
Compensation Committee Report			16
Compensation Discussion and Analysis			16
Elements of the Compensation Package			17
Summary Compensation Table			19
Benefit Plans and Agreements			22
Director Compensation			26
PROPOSAL II - RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS			27
Fees Paid to Snodgrass			27
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accountants			27
Required Vote and Recommendation of the Board			28
PROPOSAL III—ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION			29
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2013 ANNUAL MEETING			30
Advance Notice of Business to be Conducted at an Annual Meeting			30
OTHER MATTERS			30

ESSA BANCORP, INC.

PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE

2012 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held on March 1, 2012

GENERAL INFORMATION

This Proxy Statement and accompanying Proxy Card and the Annual Report to Stockholders are being furnished to the stockholders of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (sometimes referred to as the “Company”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. for use at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Annual Meeting will be held on March 1, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., local time, at Stroudsmoor Country Inn, located at RD #4, Stroudsmoor Road, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360. The term “Annual Meeting,” as used in this Proxy Statement, includes any adjournment or postponement of such meeting.

This Proxy Statement is dated January 27, 2012 and is first being mailed to stockholders on or about January 27, 2012.

The 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders


Date, Time and Place		The Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on March 1, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., local time, at Stroudsmoor Country Inn, located at RD #4, Stroudsmoor Road, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360.

Record Date		January 16, 2012.

Shares Entitled to Vote		12,109,622 shares of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. common stock were outstanding on the Record Date and are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

Purpose of the Annual Meeting		To consider and vote on the election of three directors, the ratification of the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C. as ESSA Bancorp, Inc.’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012 and the consideration of an advisory, non-binding resolution with respect to the executive compensation described in the Proxy Statement.

Vote Required		Directors are elected by a plurality of votes cast, without regard to either broker non-votes or proxies as to which authority to vote for the nominees being proposed is withheld. The ratification of the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C. as independent registered public accountants is determined by a majority of the votes cast, without regard to broker non-votes or proxies marked “ABSTAIN.” As to the advisory, non-binding resolution with respect to our executive compensation as described in this Proxy Statement, a stockholder may: (i) vote “FOR” the resolution; (ii) vote “AGAINST” the resolution; or (iii) “ABSTAIN” from voting on the resolution. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, without regard to either broker non-votes, or shares as to which the “ABSTAIN” box has been selected on the proxy card, is required for the approval of this non-binding resolution. While this vote is required by law, it will neither be binding on ESSA Bancorp, Inc. 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 ESSA Bancorp, Inc. or the Board of Directors.


Your Board of Directors Recommends A Vote in Favor of The Proposals		The Board of Directors has determined that the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting are in the best interest of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. and its stockholders, and the Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the election of the director nominees as well as each other matter to be considered.

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.		ESSA Bancorp, Inc., a Pennsylvania-chartered corporation, is the holding company for ESSA Bank & Trust, an FDIC-insured, Pennsylvania-chartered savings association that operates from its main office and 17 full-service banking offices in northeastern Pennsylvania. At September 30, 2011, ESSA Bancorp, Inc. had consolidated assets of $1.10 billion, consolidated deposits of $637.9 million and consolidated stockholders’ equity of $161.7 million. Our principal executive offices are located at 200 Palmer Street, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360, and our telephone number is (570) 421-0531.

Who Can Vote

The Board of Directors has fixed January 16, 2012 as the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. Accordingly, only holders of record of shares of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at the close of business on such date will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. On January 16, 2012, 12,109,622 shares of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. common stock were outstanding and held by approximately 2,348 holders of record. The presence, in person or by properly executed proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. common stock is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting.

How Many Votes You Have

Each holder of shares of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. common stock outstanding on January 16, 2012 will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record. However, ESSA Bancorp, Inc.’s Articles of Incorporation provides that stockholders of record who beneficially own in excess of 10% of the then outstanding shares of common stock of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. are not entitled to any vote with respect to the shares held in excess of that 10% limit. A person or entity is deemed to beneficially own shares that are owned by an affiliate, as well as by any person acting in concert with such person or entity.

Matters to Be Considered

The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to vote on the election of three directors, to ratify the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C. as our independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012 and an advisory, non-binding resolution with respect to the executive compensation described in the Proxy Statement.

You may be asked to vote upon other matters that may properly be submitted to a vote at the Annual Meeting. You also may be asked to vote on a proposal to adjourn or postpone the Annual Meeting. ESSA Bancorp, Inc. could use any adjournment or postponement for the purpose, among others, of allowing additional time to solicit proxies.

How to Vote

You may vote your shares by completing and signing the enclosed Proxy Card and returning it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope or by attending the Annual Meeting. Alternatively, you may choose to vote your shares using the Internet or telephone voting options explained on your Proxy Card. You should complete and return the Proxy Card accompanying this document, or vote using the Internet or telephone voting options, in order to

ensure that your vote is counted at the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting, regardless of whether you plan to attend. Where no instructions are indicated, validly executed proxies will be voted “FOR” the election of the three director nominees named on the Proxy Statement as well as “FOR” each other proposal set forth in this Proxy Statement for consideration at the Annual Meeting.

If you are a stockholder whose shares are not registered in your own name, you will need appropriate documentation from the stockholder of record to attend the Annual Meeting. Examples of such documentation include a broker’s statement or letter or other documentation that will confirm your ownership of shares of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. common stock. If you want to vote your shares of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. common stock that are held in street name in person at the Annual Meeting, you will need a written proxy in your name from the broker, bank or other nominee who holds your shares.

The Board of Directors is currently unaware of any other matters that may be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting, shares represented by properly submitted proxies will be voted, or not voted, by the persons named as proxies on the Proxy Card in their best judgment.

Quorum and Vote Required

The presence, in person or by properly executed proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. common stock is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted solely for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present. A proxy submitted by a broker that is not voted is sometimes referred to as a broker non-vote.

Directors are elected by a plurality of votes cast, without regard to either broker non-votes or proxies as to which authority to vote for the nominees being proposed is “WITHHELD.” The ratification of the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C. as independent registered public accountants is determined by a majority of the votes cast, without regard to broker non-votes or proxies marked “ABSTAIN.” As to the advisory, non-binding resolution with respect to our executive compensation as described in this Proxy Statement, a stockholder may: (i) vote “FOR” the resolution; (ii) vote “AGAINST” the resolution; or (iii) “ABSTAIN” from voting on the resolution. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, without regard to either broker non-votes, or shares as to which the “ABSTAIN” box has been selected on the proxy card, is required for the approval of this non-binding resolution. While this vote is required by law, it will neither be binding on ESSA Bancorp, Inc. 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 ESSA Bancorp, Inc. or the Board of Directors.

Revocability of Proxies

You may revoke your proxy at any time before the vote is taken at the Annual Meeting. You may revoke your proxy by:

•

submitting written notice of revocation to the Corporate Secretary of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. prior to the voting of such proxy;

•

submitting a properly executed proxy bearing a later date;

•

using the Internet or telephone voting options explained on the Proxy Card; or

•

voting in person at the Annual Meeting; however, simply attending the Annual Meeting without voting will not revoke an earlier proxy.

Written notices of revocation and other communications regarding the revocation of your proxy should be addressed to:

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

200 Palmer Street

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360

Attention: Suzie T. Farley, Corporate Secretary

If your shares are held in street name, your broker votes your shares and you should follow your broker’s instructions regarding the revocation of proxies.

Solicitation of Proxies

ESSA Bancorp, Inc. will bear the entire cost of soliciting proxies from you. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, ESSA Bancorp, Inc. will request that banks, brokers and other holders of record send proxies and proxy material to the beneficial owners of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. common stock and secure their voting instructions. ESSA Bancorp, Inc. will reimburse such holders of record for their reasonable expenses in taking those actions. ESSA Bancorp, Inc. has also made arrangements with Phoenix Advisory Partners to assist ESSA Bancorp, Inc. in soliciting proxies and has agreed to pay them a fee of $5,500 plus reasonable expenses for these services. If necessary, ESSA Bancorp, Inc. may also use several of its regular employees, who will not be specially compensated, to solicit proxies from stockholders, personally or by telephone, facsimile or letter.

Recommendation of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors has determined that the matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting are in the best interest of ESSA Bancorp, inc. and its stockholders, and the Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the election of the director nominees as well as each other matter to be considered.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

Persons and groups who beneficially own in excess of five percent of the Company’s common stock are required to file certain reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding such beneficial ownership. The following table sets forth, as of January 16, 2012, certain information as to the shares of the Company’s common stock owned by persons who beneficially own more than five percent of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. We know of no persons, except as listed below, who beneficially owned more than five percent of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock as of January 16, 2012. For purposes of the following table and the table included under the heading “Management,” in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of any shares of common stock (i) over which he or she has, or shares, directly or indirectly, voting or investment power or (ii) as to which he or she has the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days after January 16, 2012.


Name and Address of Beneficial Owner	Number of Shares Owned and Nature of Beneficial Ownership			Percent of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding ⁽¹⁾

BlackRock, Inc. 40 East 52^nd Street New York, NY		659,101	⁽²⁾		5.44	%

The ESSA Bank & Trust Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust First Bankers Trust Services, Inc., Trustee 2321 Kochs Lane Quincy, Illinois 62305		1,352,071	⁽³⁾		11.17	%

ESSA Bank & Trust Foundation 200 Palmer Street Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360		1,078,900	⁽⁴⁾		8.91	%

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP Palisades West, Building One 6300 Bee Cave Road Austin, Texas 78746		720,390			5.95	%

⁽¹⁾	Based on 12,109,622 shares of the ESSA Bancorp, Inc. common stock outstanding as of January 16, 2012.

⁽²⁾	The information is based on a Form 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 10, 2011 by BlackRock, Inc.

⁽³⁾

This information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2011 by First Bankers Trust Services, Inc., as Trustee on behalf of ESSA Bank & Trust Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust. According to the filing, ESSA Bank & Trust Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust had: (i) sole power to vote or direct the vote of 1,177,342 shares of the Company’s common stock; and (ii) shared power to vote or direct the vote of 174,729 shares of the Company’s common stock.

⁽⁴⁾	The information is based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 24, 2011 by ESSA Bank & Trust Foundation.

⁽⁵⁾	This information is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2011 by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP.

Management

The following table sets forth information about the shares of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. common stock owned by each nominee for election as director, each incumbent director, each named executive officer identified in the summary compensation table included elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, and all nominees, incumbent directors and executive officers as a group, as of January 16, 2012.


Names	Position(s) held in the Company	Shares Owned Directly and Indirectly			Percent of Class⁽¹⁾

NOMINEES

John E. Burrus	Chairman of the Board		60,457	⁽²⁾		0.50	%
John S. Schoonover, Jr.	Director		51,853	⁽³⁾		0.43	%
Robert C. Selig, Jr.	Director		109,853	⁽⁴⁾		0.90	%

DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE

Daniel J. Henning	Director		102,853	⁽⁵⁾		0.85	%
Frederick E. Kutteroff	Director		73,352	⁽⁶⁾		0.60	%
Elizabeth B. Weekes	Director		50,803	⁽⁷⁾		0.42	%
William P. Douglass	Director		63,003	⁽⁸⁾		0.52	%
Gary S. Olson	Director, President and Chief Executive Officer		349,788	⁽⁹⁾		2.84	%
William A. Viechnicki, D.D.S.	Director		100,053	⁽¹⁰⁾		0.83	%
Brian T. Regan	Director		29,000			0.24	%

NAMED EXECUTIVES OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS

Allan A. Muto	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer		182,820	⁽¹¹⁾		1.50	%
Robert S. Howes, Jr.	Senior Vice President, Lending Services Division		143,477	⁽¹²⁾		1.18	%
Diane K. Reimer	Vice President, Delivery Systems Division		145,297	⁽¹³⁾		1.19	%
V. Gail Warner	Senior Vice President, Retail Services Division		137,408	⁽¹⁴⁾		1.13	%

All directors and executive officers as a group (14 persons)			1,773,287			13.69	%

⁽¹⁾	Based upon 12,109,622 shares outstanding. Includes restricted stock awards.

⁽²⁾	Includes 5,580 shares held by Mr. Burrus’ IRA, 3,540 shares held by Mr. Burrus’ spouse’s IRA and 180 shares held as custodian for Mr. Burrus’ grandchildren. Includes options to purchase 32,476 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of the record date.

⁽³⁾	Includes options to purchase 32,476 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of the record date.

⁽⁴⁾	Includes options to purchase 32,476 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of the record date.

⁽⁵⁾	Includes 10,000 shares held as a custodian for Mr. Henning’s children and 10,000 shares held by Mr. Henning’s spouse. Includes options to purchase 32,476 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of the record date.

⁽⁶⁾	Includes 10,219 shares held by Mr. Kutteroff’s spouse. Includes options to purchase 32,476 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of the record date.

⁽⁷⁾	Includes options to purchase 32,476 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of the record date.

⁽⁸⁾	Includes 400 shares held by Mr. Douglass’ child, and 3,600 shares held by Mr. Douglass’ spouse. Includes options to purchase 32,476 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of the record date.

⁽⁹⁾	Includes 266 shares held by Mr. Olson’s spouse’s IRA, 36,665 shares held by Mr. Olson’s 401(k) and 7,084 shares held in Mr. Olson’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan account. Includes options to purchase 216,506 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of the record date.

⁽¹⁰⁾	Includes 39,000 shares held in Dr. Viechnicki’s IRA, and 15,000 shares held by Dr. Viechnicki’s spouse. Includes options to purchase 32,476 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of the record date.

⁽¹¹⁾	Includes 9,518 shares held by Mr. Muto’s 401(k) and 7,084 shares held in Mr. Muto’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan account. Includes options to purchase 91,965 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of the record date.

⁽¹²⁾

Includes 150 shares held by Mr. Howe’s child, 121 shares held by Mr. Howe’s spouse, 820 shares held by Mr. Howe’s IRA, 25,398 shares held by Mr. Howe’s 401(k) and 6,486 shares held in Mr. Howe’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan account. Includes options to purchase 74,279 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of the record date.

⁽¹³⁾	Includes 21,240 shares held by Ms. Reimer’s 401(k) and 5,952 shares held in Ms. Reimer’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan account. Includes options to purchase 60,131 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of the record date.

⁽¹⁴⁾

Includes 2,600 shares held as custodian for Ms. Warner’s child, 1,691 shares held by Ms. Warner’s IRA, 24,319 held by Ms. Warner’s 401(k) and 6,382 shares held in Ms. Warner’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan account. Includes options to purchase 70,742 shares of common stock, which are exercisable within 60 days of the record date.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

The common stock is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The officers and directors of the Company and beneficial owners of greater than 10% of the common stock are required to file reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the Securities and Exchange Commission disclosing beneficial ownership and changes in beneficial ownership of the common stock. Securities and Exchange Commission rules require disclosure in the Company’s Proxy Statement or Annual Report on Form 10-K of the failure of an officer, director or 10% beneficial owner of the common stock to file a Form 3, 4, or 5 on a timely basis. Based on the Company’s review of ownership reports, all such reports were filed on a timely basis during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011.

PROPOSAL I - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors currently consists of ten (10) members and is divided into three classes, with one class of directors elected each year. Three directors will be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for a three-year period and until their respective successors have been elected and shall qualify.

The biographies of each of the nominees and continuing board members below contain information regarding the person’s business experience and the experiences, qualifications, attributes or skills that caused the Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors to determine that the person should serve as a director. The principal occupation during the past five years of each of our directors is set forth below. All directors have held their present positions for at least five years unless otherwise stated. Each existing director is also a director of ESSA Bank & Trust.

All of the nominees and directors continuing in office are or were long-time residents of the communities served by ESSA Bancorp and many of such individuals have operated, or currently operate, businesses located in such communities. As a result, each nominee and director continuing in office has significant knowledge of the businesses that operate in ESSA Bancorp’s market area, an understanding of the general real estate market, values and trends in such communities and an understanding of the overall demographics of such communities. As the holding company for a community banking institution, ESSA Bancorp believes that the local knowledge and experience of its directors assists ESSA Bancorp in assessing the credit and banking needs of its customers, developing products and services to better serve its customers and assessing the risks inherent in its lending operations, and provides ESSA Bancorp with greater business development opportunities.

It is intended that the proxies solicited on behalf of the Board (other than proxies in which the vote is withheld as to the nominees) will be voted at the Annual Meeting “FOR” the election of the nominees. If the nominees are unable to serve, the shares represented by all such proxies will be voted for the election of such substitute as the Board may recommend. At this time, the Board knows of no reason why the nominees would be unable to serve if elected. 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” EACH OF THE NOMINEES LISTED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.

Directors and Executive Officers

Following is the business experience for the past five years of each of the Company’s directors and executive officers with their ages as of September 30, 2011.

Nominees for Director

John E. Burrus, age 72, has served as Chairman of the Board of ESSA Bank & Trust since 1989. In 2005, Mr. Burrus retired as the owner of John E. Burrus Landscape, which designed, sold, installed and maintained landscapes for private homes, and commercial properties in Monroe County, Easton and Scranton, Pennsylvania. Mr. Burrus is a graduate of Rutgers University. Mr. Burrus has been a director of the Company since its inception and a director of ESSA Bank & Trust since 1970. Mr. Burrus brings extensive knowledge of the local business community to the Board of Directors.

John S. Schoonover, Jr., age 70, has been a principal in the architectural firm of Schoonover and Vanderhoof, LLC since 1978. He is a licensed architect registered to practice in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and North Carolina. Mr. Schoonover served in the United States Marine Corps from 1962 through 1967. Mr. Schoonover has been a director of the Company since its inception and a director of ESSA Bank & Trust since 1989. Mr. Schoonover has extensive knowledge of the local business community.

Robert C. Selig, Jr., age 63, has served as President of Selig Construction Company since 1972. Selig Construction Company is in the business of building primary and vacation residences. Mr. Selig is a graduate of West Side Area Vocational/Technical School. Mr. Selig has been a director of the Company since its inception and a director of ESSA Bank & Trust since 1990. Mr. Selig’s experience as a local businessman focusing on real estate matters is of great value to the Board of Directors.

Continuing Directors

Terms to Expire Following Fiscal Year 2012

William P. Douglass, age 70, has been President of Douglass Enterprises, Inc., doing business as Olde Engine Works Market Place which is an antiques and collectibles co-operative. Mr. Douglass is a graduate of Texas Christian University. Mr. Douglass has been a director of the Company since its inception and a director of ESSA Bank & Trust since 1978. Mr. Douglass has extensive knowledge of the local business community.

Gary S. Olson, age 57, has been President and Chief Executive Officer of ESSA Bank & Trust since 2000. Mr. Olson began his career at ESSA Bank & Trust in 1977. Mr. Olson is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University. Mr. Olson has been a director of the Company since its inception and a director of ESSA Bank & Trust since 2000. Mr. Olson’s extensive banking experience and knowledge of local markets enhance the breadth of experience of the Board of Directors.

William A. Viechnicki, D.D.S., age 67, has been in the private practice of orthodontics in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania since 1971. Dr. Viechnicki is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University and Temple University School of Dentistry where he serves as a professor of orthodontics. Dr. Viechnicki has been a director of the Company since its inception and a director of ESSA Bank & Trust since 1981. Mr. Viechnicki has extensive knowledge of the community served by ESSA Bank & Trust.

Terms to Expire Fiscal Year 2013

Daniel J. Henning, age 59, is a builder/real estate developer and has been the Owner/President of A.C. Henning Enterprises, Inc., a general contractor of custom built homes, multi-family townhouses and light commercial construction and renovation since 1982. Mr. Henning serves on several public authorities in Monroe County. Mr. Henning has been a director of the Company since its inception and a director of ESSA Bank & Trust since 1995. Mr. Henning’s experience in the local real estate market and his experience as a local business owner led to his appointment to the Board of Directors in 1995.

Frederick E. Kutteroff, age 68, served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Savings Bank from 1990 until his retirement in 2003. Mr. Kutteroff holds a Certificate of Business Administration from Temple University. Mr. Kutteroff has been a director of the Company since its inception and a director of ESSA Bank & Trust since 2005. Mr. Kutteroff’s experience in the banking sector led to his appointment to the Board of Directors in 2005.

Elizabeth B. Weekes, age 52, has been a partner in the law firm Bensinger and Weekes, P.A. since 1987. Ms. Weekes’ practice focuses on real estate, civil litigation, domestic relations, banking, municipalities and estates. Ms. Weekes is a graduate of Colgate University and Dickinson School of Law. Ms. Weekes has been a director of the Company since its inception and a director of ESSA Bank & Trust since 1998. Ms. Weekes’ experience as a real estate attorney provides a unique perspective to the Board of Directors.

Brian T. Regan, age 51, was appointed to the Board of Directors on March 22, 2011. He is a shareholder with the certified public accounting firm of Regan, Levin, Bloss, Brown & Savachak, P.C. Mr. Regan is currently a director with Saucon Mutual Insurance Company and was previously with KPMG LLP and MidLantic National Bank. Mr. Regan is a graduate of The University of Scranton with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Mr. Regan has 29 years of public accounting experience, including working with financial institutions and public companies. This experience benefits the Board of Directors in its oversight of financial reporting and disclosure issues.

Executive Officers of ESSA Bank & Trust Who Are Not Also Directors

Allan A. Muto, age 51, has been the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ESSA Bank & Trust since January 2006. Prior to that time Mr. Muto served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer beginning in 2001.

Robert S. Howes, Jr., age 58, has been Senior Vice President, Lending Services Division since 2001. Mr. Howes joined ESSA Bank & Trust in 1985 as Vice President, Lending Services Division.

Diane K. Reimer, age 55, has been Vice President, Delivery Systems Division since 1998 and first joined ESSA Bank & Trust in 1983.

V. Gail Warner, age 55, has been Senior Vice President, Retail Services Division since 2009. Previously, Ms. Warner served as Vice President, Retail Services Division since 1999 and first joined ESSA Bank & Trust in 1993.

Thomas J. Grayuski, age 50, has been Vice President, Human Resources Services Division since 2000 and joined ESSA Bank & Trust in 1996.

Corporate Governance and Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

ESSA Bancorp, Inc. is committed to maintaining sound corporate governance principles and the highest standards of ethical conduct and is in compliance with applicable corporate governance laws and regulations.

The Board has adopted a code of ethics for the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and all persons performing similar functions. The code of ethics is designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct, the avoidance of conflicts of interest, full and accurate disclosure and compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. The code of ethics is available on the Company’s website at www.essabank.com. Amendments to and waivers from the code of ethics are disclosed on the Company’s website.

Director Independence

The Board has determined that, except as to Mr. Olson, each member of the Board is an “independent director” within the meaning of the NASDAQ corporate governance listing standards and the Company’s corporate governance policies. Mr. Olson is not considered independent as he is an executive officer of the Company. There were no transactions that the Board of Directors needed to review that are not required to be reported under “—Transactions With Certain Related Persons,” that would bear in the determination of the independence of the directors.

Our Board of Directors is chaired by John E. Burrus, who is a non-executive director. This structure ensures a greater role for the independent directors in the oversight of ESSA Bancorp and ESSA Bank & Trust, and active participation of the independent directors in setting agendas and establishing priorities and procedures for the work of the Board.

The Board of Directors is actively involved in oversight of risks that could affect ESSA Bancorp. This oversight is conducted primarily through committees of the Board of Directors, but the full Board of Directors has retained responsibility for general oversight of risks. The Board of Directors satisfies this responsibility through full reports by each committee chair regarding such committee’s considerations and actions, as well as through regular reports directly from officers responsible for oversight of particular risks within ESSA Bancorp. Risks relating to the direct operations of ESSA Bank & Trust are further overseen by the Board of Directors of ESSA Bank & Trust, which consists of the same individuals who serve on the Board of Directors of ESSA Bancorp. The Board of Directors of ESSA Bank & Trust also has additional committees that conduct risk oversight and they typically meet jointly with the committees of ESSA Bancorp. All committees are responsible for the establishment of policies that guide management and staff in the day-to-day operation of ESSA Bancorp and ESSA Bank & Trust, such as lending, risk management, asset/liability management, investment management and others.

Board Meetings and Committees

The Board of Directors of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. met eleven times during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011. The Board of Directors of ESSA Bank & Trust met twelve times during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011. No director attended fewer than 85.0% in the aggregate of the total number of Board meetings held and the total number of committee meetings on which he or she served (during the period in which they served) during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011, including Board and committee meetings of ESSA Bank & Trust. Executive sessions of the independent directors are conducted on a regular basis. Although not required, attendance of Board members at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders is encouraged.

The Company has three standing Board committees: Compensation; Nominating and Corporate Governance; and Audit.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee, consisting of Messrs. Douglass (Chair), Schoonover, Viechnicki, Kutteroff and Ms. Weekes, is responsible for human resources policies, salaries and benefits, incentive compensation, executive development and management succession planning. Each member of the Compensation Committee is independent in accordance with the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market. Our Compensation Committee operates under a written charter, which is available at our website at www.essabank.com. The Compensation Committee met three times during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, consisting of Messrs. Douglass (Chair), Henning, Kutteroff, Selig and Burrus and Ms. Weekes, is responsible for identifying individuals qualified to become Board members and recommending a group of nominees for election as directors at each annual meeting of stockholders, ensuring that the Board and its committees have the benefit of qualified and experienced independent directors, and developing a set of corporate governance policies and procedures. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee operates under a written charter, which is available at our website at www.essabank.com, and each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is independent under the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met two times during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies nominees by evaluating the current members of the Board willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board with skills and experience that are relevant to the Company’s business and who are willing to continue in service are first considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the Board with that of obtaining a new perspective. If any member of the Board does not wish to continue in service, or if the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee or the Board decides not to re-nominate a member for re-election, or if the size of the Board is increased, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee would solicit suggestions for director candidates from all Board members and may consider candidates submitted by stockholders. In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is authorized by its charter to engage a third party to assist in the identification of director nominees.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee would seek to identify a candidate who at a minimum satisfies the following criteria:

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has the highest personal and professional ethics and integrity and whose values are compatible with those of the Company;

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has experiences and achievements that have given him/her the ability to exercise and develop good business judgment;

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is willing to devote the necessary time to the work of the Board and its committees, which includes being available for Board and committee meetings;

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is familiar with the communities in which the Company operates and/or is actively engaged in community activities;

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is involved in other activities or interests that do not create a conflict with his/her responsibilities to the Company and its stockholders; and

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has the capacity and desire to represent the balanced, best interests of the stockholders of the Company as a group, and not primarily a special interest group or constituency.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will also take into account whether a candidate satisfies the criteria for “independence” in accordance with the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market, and, if a candidate with financial and accounting expertise is sought for service on the Audit Committee, whether the individual qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert.”

The Committee does not have a formal policy or specific guidelines regarding diversity among Board members, and generally views and values diversity from the perspective of professional and life experiences, as well as geographic location, representative of the markets in which we do business. The Committee recognizes that diversity in professional and life experiences may include consideration of gender, race, or national origin, in identifying individuals who possess the qualifications that the Committee believes are important to be represented on the Board.

Procedures for the Consideration of Board Candidates Submitted by Stockholders

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has adopted procedures for the consideration of Board candidates submitted by stockholders. Stockholders can submit the names of candidates for director by writing to the Corporate Secretary of the Company, at ESSA Bancorp, Inc., 200 Palmer Street, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360. The submission must include the following information:

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a statement that the writer is a stockholder and is proposing a candidate for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee;

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the name and address of the stockholder as they appear on the Company’s books, and number of shares of the Company’s common stock that are owned beneficially by the stockholder (if the stockholder is not a holder of record, appropriate evidence of the stockholder’s ownership will be required);

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the name, address and contact information for the candidate, and the number of shares of common stock of the Company that are owned by the candidate (if the candidate is not a holder of record, appropriate evidence of the stockholder’s ownership should be provided);

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a statement of the candidate’s business and educational experience;

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such other information regarding the candidate as would be required to be included in the proxy statement pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation 14A;

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a statement detailing any relationship between the candidate and any customer, supplier or competitor of the Company;

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detailed information about any relationship or understanding between the proposing stockholder and the candidate; and

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a statement that the candidate is willing to be considered and willing to serve as a Director if nominated and elected.

To be timely, the submission of a candidate for Director by a stockholder must be received by the Corporate Secretary at least one hundred and twenty (120) days prior to the anniversary of the date of the proxy statement relating to the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders. The Company received no submission for Board nominees for this Annual Meeting.

Procedures for the Nomination of Directors by Stockholders

In addition to submitting candidates to the Board for consideration, a stockholder may nominate candidates for election as directors in accordance with Article 3.12 of the Company’s bylaws. Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth the following:

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the name, age, business address and residence address of the stockholder who intends to make the nomination and of the person or persons to be nominated;

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the principal occupation or employment of the stockholder submitting the notice and of each person being nominated;

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the class and number of shares of the Company’s stock which are beneficially owned by the stockholder submitting the notice;

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a representation that the stockholder is and will continue to be a holder of record of stock of the Company entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice;

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a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the stockholder;

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such other information regarding the stockholder submitting the notice, each nominee proposed by such stockholder as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and

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the consent of each nominee to serve as a director of the Company if so elected.

Stockholder Communications with the Board

A stockholder of the Company who wants to communicate with the Board or with any individual director can write to the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee at ESSA Bancorp, Inc., 200 Palmer Street, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360. The letter should indicate that the author is a stockholder and if shares are not held of record, should include appropriate evidence of stock ownership. Depending on the subject matter, the Chair will:

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forward the communication to the director(s) to whom it is addressed;

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handle the inquiry directly, for example, where it is a request for information about the Company or it is a stock-related matter; or

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not forward the communication if it is primarily commercial in nature, relates to an improper or irrelevant topic, or is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal or otherwise inappropriate.

At each Board meeting, the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall present a summary of all communications received since the last meeting and make those communications available to the directors upon request.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee, currently consisting of Messrs. Kutteroff (Chair), Douglass, Henning, Regan, Schoonover and Viechnicki, is responsible for providing oversight relating to our financial statements and financial reporting process, systems of internal accounting and financial controls, internal audit function, annual independent audit and the compliance and ethics programs established by management and the Board. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent in accordance with the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market and under Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 10A-3. The Board of Directors believes that each of Mr. Kutteroff and Mr. Regan qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee met five times during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011.

Our Audit Committee operates under a written charter, which is available at our website at www.essabank.com. The duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee include, among other things:

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overseeing the integrity of the Company’s financial statements;

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overseeing the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;

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overseeing the independent registered public accountant’s qualifications and independence;

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overseeing the performance of the Company’s internal audit function and independent registered public accountant; and

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overseeing the Company’s system of disclosure controls and system of internal controls regarding finance, accounting, and legal compliance.

The Audit Committee reports to the Board of Directors on its activities and findings.

Audit Committee Report

Management has the primary responsibility for the Company’s internal controls and financial reporting process. The independent registered public accountants are responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and issuing an opinion thereon. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes. As part of its ongoing activities, the Audit Committee has:

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reviewed and discussed with management and the independent registered public accountants the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011;

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met with the Company’s CEO, CFO, internal auditors and the independent registered public accountants, both together and in separate executive sessions, to discuss the scope and the results of the audits and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting and internal controls;

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discussed with the independent registered public accountants the matters required to be discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communications with Audit Committees, as amended;

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received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accountants required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accountants’ communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and discussed with the independent registered public accountants its independence from the Company; and

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pre-approved all audit, audit related and other services to be provided by the independent registered public accountants.

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Audit Committee


Frederick E. Kutteroff (Chair)	William P. Douglass	John S. Schoonover, Jr.
Daniel J. Henning	Brian T. Regan	William A. Viechnicki

Transactions with Certain Related Persons

Loans and Extensions of Credit. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 generally prohibits us from making loans to our executive officers and directors, but it contains a specific exemption from such prohibition for loans made by ESSA Bank & Trust to our executive officers and directors in compliance with federal banking regulations. Federal regulations require that all loans or extensions of credit to executive officers and directors of insured institutions must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features. ESSA Bank & Trust is therefore prohibited from making any loans or extensions of credit to executive officers and directors at different rates or terms than those offered to the general public, except for loans made to executive officers under a benefit program maintained by ESSA Bank & Trust that is generally available to all other employees and that does not give preference to any executive officer over any other employee.

In addition, loans made to a director or executive officer must be approved in advance by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors. The aggregate amount of our loans to our officers and directors and their related entities was $1,248,000 at September 30, 2011. As of September 30, 2011, these loans were performing according to their original terms.

Set forth below is certain information as to loans made by ESSA Bank & Trust to certain of its directors and executive officers, or their affiliates, pursuant to the loan program disclosed above, whose aggregate indebtedness to ESSA Bank & Trust exceeded $120,000 at any time since October 1, 2010. Unless otherwise indicated all of the loans are secured loans and all loans designated as residential loans are secured by the borrower’s principal place of residence.


Name of Individual	Loan Type	Date Originated	Original Loan Amount		Highest Balance Since October 1, 2010		Balance on September 30, 2011		Interest Rate

Gary S. Olson	Conventional Mortgage	01/13/03	$	600,000	$	525,608	$	514,411		3.90	%

	Home Equity	03/23/05	$	100,000	$	51,396	$	—		5.15	%

Robert C. Selig	Conventional Mortgage	02/21/03	$	225,000	$	64,402	$	40,829		4.70	%

	Line of Credit	11/26/08	$	188,000	$	183,818	$	183,818		Prime minus 0.25	%

	Commercial Line of Credit	12/10/09	$	125,000	$	121,545	$	111,545		Prime

Pursuant to the Company’s Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee periodically reviews and approves the Company’s transactions with directors and executive officers of the Company and with firms that employ directors, as well as any other transactions with related persons to determine whether the transactions are fair, reasonable and within Company policy and should be ratified and approved. Other than as provided in the Audit Committee Charter, the Company does not maintain a written policy for the review of transactions with related persons.

Executive Compensation

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Our Compensation Committee determines the salaries to be paid each year to the Chief Executive Officer and those executive officers who report directly to the Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee consists of Directors Douglass (Chair), Schoonover, Viechnicki, Kutteroff and Ms. Weekes. None of these individuals was an officer or employee of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. or ESSA Bank & Trust during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011, or is a former officer of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. or ESSA Bank & Trust.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011: (i) no executive of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. served as a member of the Compensation Committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee of ESSA Bancorp, Inc.; (ii) no executive officer of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. served as a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on the Compensation Committee of ESSA Bancorp, Inc.; and (iii) no executive officer of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. served as a member of the Compensation Committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director of ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

Compensation Committee Report

Pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, this Compensation Report shall not be deemed incorporated by reference to any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that ESSA Bancorp, Inc. specifically incorporates this information by reference, and otherwise shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission subject to Regulation 14A or 14C of the Securities and Exchange Commission or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The Compensation Committee of the Company has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.

The Compensation Committee


William P. Douglass (Chair)		William A. Viechnicki, D.D.S.
Elizabeth B. Weekes		John S. Schoonover, Jr.
	Frederick E. Kutteroff

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives. The goal of the Compensation Committee is to enable the Company and ESSA Bank & Trust to attract, develop and retain talented executive officers capable of maximizing the Company’s performance for the benefit of shareholders. The Compensation Committee has adopted a compensation strategy that seeks to provide competitive, performance-based compensation that is aligned with the financial and stock performance of the Company. The compensation program has three key elements of total direct compensation: base salary, annual incentive compensation and long-term incentives. Another element of the compensation program is benefits. We base our compensation decisions as a public company on several basic principles:

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Meeting the Demands of the Market – Our goal is to compensate our employees at competitive levels among our peers who provide similar financial services in the markets we serve. We seek to attract and retain talent needed to succeed in a competitive market environment.

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Aligning with Shareholders – We intend to use equity compensation as a key component of our compensation mix to develop a culture of ownership among our key personnel and to align their individual financial interest with the interests of our shareholders.

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Driving Performance – We structure compensation around the attainment of company-wide targets that return positive results to our bottom line.

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Reflecting a Balanced Approach – We seek to balance the sometimes competing needs of external competitiveness, internal consistency, organizational economics, management flexibility and simplicity of administration.

In pursuit of this philosophy and objectives, the Compensation Committee is responsible for establishing and overseeing the compensation programs for the Company’s and ESSA Bank & Trust’s executive officers, annually reviewing and approving the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and reviewing and approving the Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations regarding the compensation of the other executive officers.

The Compensation Committee uses numerical formulas to determine changes in compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, and it weighs a variety of different factors in its deliberations.

Elements of the Compensation Package

The Compensation Committee used a total compensation approach in establishing executive compensation opportunities, consisting of three key elements of total direct compensation: base salary, annual incentives and long-term incentives, such as stock option and restricted stock awards.

Base Salaries

Executive officer base salary levels are evaluated by the Compensation Committee on an annual basis. In general, salary ranges are developed considering the results of the independent review of the competitiveness of the total compensation program, the individual’s performance and contribution to the long-term goals of the Company and ESSA Bank & Trust, recent operating results, performance targets and other relevant factors. Each executive officer’s base salary level is targeted to these ranges considering the executive officer’s performance and contribution, leadership, operational effectiveness and experience in the industry.

In establishing base salaries for fiscal year ended September 30, 2012, the Compensation Committee considered ESSA Bank & Trust’s financial performance, which did meet expectations, and market-based industry salary data, including the L.R. Webber Associates, Inc. Pennsylvania Salary/Benefits Survey and the American Bankers’ Association Compensation and Benefits Survey. The L.R. Webber Associates, Inc. survey compares the Company to financial institutions of similar asset size and type in Pennsylvania. The American Bankers’ Association survey compares the Company to financial institutions of similar asset size, ownership type and charter type in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. The Committee determined that increases in base salary would be warranted for Mr. Olson for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 due to his performance ratings with respect to Board and management reporting initiatives; leadership, management and organization development initiatives; financial incentives; business planning, program development and maintenance; risk management; strategic growth initiatives; and customer/public relations initiatives. Accordingly, Mr. Olson received an annual base salary increase of $9,726 (or 3.5%) from the previous fiscal year.

The Compensation Committee reviewed similar considerations for each of the other named executive officers and determined that increases were appropriate for Messrs. Muto and Howes and Ms. Warner and Ms. Reimer based upon their performance and to maintain competitive base salary levels. Accordingly, Messrs. Muto and Howes and Ms. Warner and Ms. Reimer received an annual base salary increase of $5,264 (or 3.0%), $3,525 (or 2.5%), $3,467 (or 2.5%) and $2,912 (or 2.5%), respectively.

Annual Incentives

Bonuses. The Compensation Committee determines the Chief Executive Officer’s annual bonus. The Compensation Committee reviews the Chief Executive Officer’s annual proposed bonuses for other individual executive officers, based on the Company’s and ESSA Bank & Trust’s financial performance and determines the bonus amounts. The Board of Directors reviews the Compensation Committee’s recommendations. As a result, the amount of the bonuses set forth in the Summary Compensation Table were based on the Committee’s evaluation of the overall performance of ESSA Bank & Trust for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011.

Annual Incentive Plan. ESSA Bank & Trust maintains an Executive/Management Annual Incentive Plan. The plan provides for payments of specified percentages of base salary for designated levels of executives, with the amount of the payouts determined based on whether the designated performance targets were achieved at the threshold, target or maximum levels. The Annual Incentive Plan uses return on assets and asset growth as the performance measures and payments are made annually.

Long Term Incentives

The Company adopted and shareholders approved the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, and grants of restricted stock and stock options were made to the Company’s officers and directors as discussed in greater detail below. Such stock-based grants are subject to vesting schedules that are intended to provide long-term incentives to enhance shareholder value.

Accounting Considerations

The Compensation Committee considers the financial statement implications of each element of the named executive officers’ compensation. However, the impact of each compensation element on the Company’s overall compensation philosophy and compensation program, including considerations such as balancing long term and short term incentives, as well as the projected economic costs of each element are the primary determining factors of the named executive officers’ compensation packages.

Executive Officer Compensation

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011, certain information as to the total remuneration paid to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the three other most highly compensated executive officers in excess of $100,000.

Summary Compensation Table


Name and principal position	Year		Salary ($)		Bonus ($)⁽¹⁾		Stock Awards ($) ⁽²⁾		Option Awards($) ⁽³⁾		Change in pension value and non-qualified deferred compensation earnings ⁽⁴⁾ ($)		All other compensation ($)			Total ($)
Gary S. Olson, President and Chief Executive Officer		2011 2010 2009		277,569 268,011 252,273		115,441 94,902 153,155		— — —		— — —		— — —		42,606 54,930 49,726	⁽⁵⁾		435,616 417,843 455,154

Allan A. Muto, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer		2011 2010 2009		175,260 170,030 160,422		58,309 48,169 77,917		— — —		— — —		— — —		24,778 32,282 26,377	⁽⁶⁾		258,347 250,481 264,716

Robert S. Howes, Senior Vice President, Lending Services Division		2011 2010 2009		140,862 136,696 130,196		41,005 33,887 55,333		— — —		— — —		— — —		15,894 21,894 20,056	⁽⁷⁾		197,761 192,477 205,585

V. Gail Warner, Senior Vice President, Retail Services Division		2011 2010 2009		138,552 134,417 126,814		40,333 33,322 53,896		— — —		— — —		— — —		18,496 22,057 21,160	⁽⁸⁾		197,381 189,796 201,870

Diane K Reimer, Vice President, Delivery Systems Division		2011 2010 2009		116,381 113,472 108,075		29,049 24,112 39,372		— — —		— — —		— — —		16,235 21,785 21,341	⁽⁹⁾		161,665 159,369 168,788

⁽¹⁾	See discussion of “Bonuses” above.

⁽²⁾

The amounts in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, of restricted stock awards pursuant to the ESSA Bancorp, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 13 to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

⁽³⁾

The amounts in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, of stock options pursuant to the ESSA Bancorp, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 13 to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

⁽⁴⁾

Mr. Olson, Mr. Howes and Ms. Reimer are eligible to receive 70% of final average compensation (determined over the executive’s high 5-year average salary during the 10 years before retirement) payable for the remainder of their lifetime if they retire from the Company after completing 30 years of service with the Company. This benefit is comprised of the Company’s qualified and non-qualified retirement plan benefits. The amount of the total benefit provided under each component varies, but in the aggregate, the target benefit remains 70% of final average compensation. See the Pension Benefits table below for the present value of the benefit accumulated under the Pension Plan and SERP for all named executive officers.

⁽⁵⁾

Includes $2,980 for 401(k) Plan matching contributions; $11,720 for health insurance premiums; $399 for dental insurance premiums; $56 for vision insurance premiums; $6,390 for life insurance premiums and benefits; $970 for long term disability insurance premiums; $6,507 for personal use of a bank owned automobile and $13,584 for dividends on unvested stock awards.

⁽⁶⁾

Includes $1,882 for 401(k) Plan matching contributions; $6,035 for health insurance premiums; $399 for dental insurance premiums; $56 for vision insurance premiums; $1,444 for life insurance premiums and benefits; $613 for long term disability insurance premiums; $7,991 for personal use of a bank owned automobile and $6,358 for dividends on unvested stock awards.

⁽⁷⁾	Includes $1,513 for 401(k) Plan matching contributions; $6,344 for health insurance premiums; $399 for dental insurance premiums; $56 for vision insurance premiums; $2,448 for life insurance premiums and benefits and $5,134 for dividends on unvested stock awards.

⁽⁸⁾	Includes $1,488 for 401(k) Plan matching contributions; $10,393 for health insurance premiums; $399 for dental insurance premiums; $56 for vision insurance premiums; $1,270 for life insurance premiums and benefits and $4,890 for dividends on unvested stock awards.

⁽⁹⁾

Includes $713 for 401(k) Plan matching contributions; $9,540 for health insurance premiums; $399 for dental insurance premiums; $56 for vision insurance premiums; $964 for life insurance premiums and benefits; $407 for long term disability insurance premiums and $4,156 for dividends on unvested stock awards.

Plan-Based Awards. There were no plan-based awards made during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Year End. The following table sets forth information with respect to our outstanding equity awards as of September 30, 2011 for our named executive officers.


			Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
			Option Awards						Stock Awards
Name	Grant Date		Number of securities underlying unexercised options (#) unexercisable/ exercisable (1)		Option exercise price ($)		Option expiration date		Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($)(1)		Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested ($)(2)
Gary S. Olson, President and Chief Executive Officer		05/23/08		144,338 216,506	$	12.35		05/22/2018		54,339		571,103

Allan A. Muto, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer		05/23/08		61,310 91,965	$	12.35		05/22/2018		25,430		267,269

Robert S. Howes, Senior Vice President, Lending Services Division		05/23/08		49,520 74,279	$	12.35		05/22/2018		20,540		215,875

V. Gail Warner, Senior Vice President, Retail Services Division		05/23/08		47,162 70,742	$	12.35		05/22/2018		19,562		205,597

Diane K. Reimer, Vice President, Delivery Systems Division		05/23/08		40,087 60,131	$	12.35		05/22/2018		16,628		174,760

⁽¹⁾	All options and stock awards listed vest at a rate of 20% per year commencing on May 23, 2009.

⁽²⁾	Represents market value based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock of $10.51 on September 30, 2011.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested. The following table sets forth information with respect to option exercises and stock that vested during the year ended September 30, 2011 for the Named Executive Officers.


OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
	Option awards				Stock awards
Name	Number of shares acquired on exercise (#)		Value realized on exercise ($)		Number of shares acquired on vesting (#)		Value realized on vesting ($)⁽¹⁾
Gary S. Olson, President and Chief Executive Officer		—		—		27,169		305,651

Allan A. Muto, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer		—		—		12,715		143,043

Robert S. Howes, Senior Vice President, Lending Services Division		—		—		10,270		115,537

V. Gail Warner, Senior Vice President, Retail Services Division		—		—		9,781		110,036

Diane K. Reimer, Vice President, Delivery Systems Division		—		—		8,314		93,532

⁽¹⁾	Based on the $11.25 per share trading price of our common stock on May 23, 2011.

Pension Benefits. The table below shows the present value of accumulated benefits payable to each of the named executive officers, including the number of years of service credited to each such named executive officer under each of the Pension Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans determined using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in the Company’s financial statements.


Pension Benefits
Name	Plan name⁽¹⁾	Number of years credited service (#)		Present value of accumulated benefit ($)		Payments during last fiscal year ($)
Gary S. Olson,	Pension Plan		35		950,396		—
President and Chief Executive Officer	SERP		7		393,799		—

Allan A. Muto, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer	Pension Plan		11		189,581		—

Robert S. Howes,	Pension Plan		26		694,867		—
Senior Vice President, Lending Services Division	SERP		7		—		—

V. Gail Warner, Senior Vice President, Retail Services Division	Pension Plan		18		407,164		—

Diane K. Reimer,	Pension Plan		29		647,793		—
Vice President, Delivery Systems Division	SERP		7		—		—

⁽¹⁾

The Company maintains a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan, which is referred to in this table as the “Pension Plan” and supplemental executive retirement plans, which are referred to in this table as “SERP.” SERPs are individual agreements with each executive, with a defined-benefit type formula. The terms of the Pension Plan and SERP are described more fully, below.

Benefit Plans and Agreements

Employment Agreements. ESSA Bancorp, Inc. has entered into employment agreements with each of Messrs. Olson, Muto, Howes and Grayuski and Ms. Warner and Ms. Reimer. The agreements with Messrs. Olson and Muto have an initial term of three years. The agreements with Mr. Howes, Ms. Warner, Ms. Reimer and Mr. Grayuski have terms of two years. Unless notice of non-renewal is provided, the agreements renew annually. Under the agreements, as of September 30, 2011, the base salaries for Messrs. Olson, Muto, Howes, Ms. Warner, Ms. Reimer and Mr. Grayuski are $287,621, $180,700, $144,530, $142,159, $119,392, and $116,162, respectively. Base salaries will be reviewed at least annually and may be increased, but not decreased. In addition to the base salary, each agreement provides for, among other things, participation in bonus programs and other employee pension benefit and fringe benefit plans applicable to executive employees and use of an automobile (in the case of Mr. Olson). The executive’s employment may be terminated for cause at any time, in which event the executive would have no right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination.

Each of the executives is entitled to severance payments and benefits in the event of his or her termination of employment under specified circumstances. In the event the executive’s employment is terminated for reasons other than for cause, disability or retirement, or in the event the executive resigns within 90 days following (1) the failure to elect or reelect or to appoint or reappoint the executive to his or her executive position; (2) a material change in the executive’s functions, duties, or responsibilities, which change would cause executive’s position to become one of lesser responsibility, importance or scope; (3) the relocation of executive’s principal place of employment to a location that is more than 50 miles from the location of ESSA Bank & Trust’s principal executive offices as of the date of the agreement; (4) a material reduction in benefits and perquisites including base salary (except for any bank-wide or officer-wide reduction); (5) the liquidation or dissolution of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. or ESSA Bank & Trust; (6) a change in control of ESSA Bancorp, Inc.; or (7) a breach of the employment agreement by ESSA Bancorp, Inc., the executive would be entitled to a severance payment equal to three times (in the case of Messrs. Olson and Muto) or two times (for all other executives) the sum of the executive’s base salary and the highest rate of bonus awarded to the executive during the prior three years (for Messrs. Olson and Muto) or two years (for all other executives), payable in a lump sum within 30 days following the termination date, unless a 6-month delay in payment is required in order to comply with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. In addition, the executive would be entitled, at ESSA Bancorp, Inc.’s sole expense, to the continuation of life, medical, dental and vision coverage for 36 months (in the case of Messrs. Olson and Muto) or 24 months (for all other executives) after termination of the agreement. The executive would also receive a lump sum payment of the excess, if any, of the present value of the benefits he or she would be entitled to under the ESSA Bancorp, Inc. or ESSA Bank & Trust’s defined benefit pension plan if the executive had continued working for ESSA Bancorp, Inc. for 36 months (in the case of Messrs. Olson and Muto) or 24 months (for all other executives) over the present value of the benefits to which the executive is actually entitled as of the date of termination. In the event that the severance payment provisions of the employment agreement were triggered for one of the covered executives at September 30, 2011, the executive would be entitled to a cash severance benefit in the amount of approximately $1,465,653, $836,923, $514,074, $472,163, $485,863, and $394,559 in the case of Messrs. Olson, Muto, Howes, Ms. Warner, Ms. Reimer, and Mr. Grayuski, respectively. If Mr. Olson’s employment is not terminated in connection with a change in control, upon a change in control he would be entitled to a lump sum equal to three times the sum of his highest base salary and highest bonus in the last three years, but such payment would be instead of (not in addition to) the severance pay described above. In the event that provision was triggered for Mr. Olson at September 30, 2011, he would have been entitled to a lump sum payment of $1,322,328. None of the executives are entitled to additional benefits under their employment agreements upon retirement at or after age 65.

Upon termination of the executive’s employment other than in connection with a change in control, the executive agrees not to compete with ESSA Bancorp, Inc. for one year following termination of employment within 50 miles of any existing branch of ESSA Bank & Trust or 50 miles of any office for which ESSA Bank & Trust or a subsidiary has filed an application for regulatory approval. Should the executive become disabled, ESSA Bancorp, Inc. would continue to pay the executive his or her base salary for the longer of the remaining term of the agreement or one year, provided that any amount paid to the executive pursuant to any disability insurance would reduce the compensation the executive would receive and will provide life insurance, medical, dental and vision coverage until the earlier of executive’s return to employment, age 65 or death. In the event the executive dies while employed by ESSA Bancorp, Inc., the executive’s estate will be paid the executive’s base salary for one year and the executive’s family will be entitled to continuation of medical, dental and vision benefits for one year after the executive’s death.

The employment agreements for Messrs. Howes and Grayuski and for Ms. Warner and Ms. Reimer also provide for an automatic reduction in the amount of any payments made in connection with a change in control which would otherwise constitute “excess parachute payments” under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code. The total payment owed to the executive upon a change in control will be reduced to an amount that is $1.00 less than the amount that would otherwise be an “excess parachute payment” under Code Section 280G. Messrs. Olson and Muto may elect to have such reductions made in their sole discretion.

Change-in-Control Agreements. ESSA Bancorp, Inc. has entered into change-in-control agreements with six officers, which would provide certain benefits in the event of a termination of employment following a change in control of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. or ESSA Bank & Trust. Each of the change-in-control agreements provides for a term of eighteen months. Commencing on each anniversary date, the agreements will be renewed for an additional year so that the remaining term will be eighteen months, subject to notice of non-renewal. The change-in-control agreements enable ESSA Bancorp, Inc. to offer to designated officers certain protections against termination without cause in the event of a change in control (as defined in the agreements). Such protections are frequently offered by other financial institutions, and ESSA Bancorp, Inc. may be at a competitive disadvantage in attracting and retaining key employees if it did not offer similar protections.

Following a change in control of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. or ESSA Bank & Trust, an officer is entitled under the agreement to a payment if the officer’s employment is terminated during the term of such agreement, other than for cause, or if the officer voluntarily terminates employment during the term of such agreement as a result of a demotion, loss of title, office or significant authority (in each case, other than as a result of the fact that either ESSA Bank & Trust or ESSA Bancorp, Inc. is merged into another entity in connection with a change in control and will not operate as a stand-alone, independent entity), reduction in his or her annual compensation or benefits, or relocation of his or her principal place of employment by more than 50 miles from its location immediately prior to the change in control. In the event an officer who is a party to a change in control agreement is entitled to receive payments pursuant to the change in control agreement, the officer will receive a cash payment equal to 1.5 times his or her highest rate of base salary and the highest rate of bonus awarded to the executive during the prior two years, payable in a lump sum. In addition to the cash payment, each covered officer is entitled to receive life, medical, and dental coverage for a period of 18 months from the date of termination. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the change-in-control agreement, payments under the change-in-control agreements are limited so that they will not constitute an excess parachute payment under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

Equity Incentive Plan The Company adopted the ESSA Bancorp, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”), to provide officers, employees and directors of the Company and ESSA Bank & Trust with additional incentives to promote the growth and performance of the Company. Stockholders approved the Equity Plan on May 8, 2008. Under this plan, individuals may receive awards of common stock and grants of options to purchase common stock. The Compensation Committee believes that stock ownership provides a significant incentive in building stockholder value by further aligning the interests of officers and employees with stockholders. The importance of this component of compensation increases as the Company’s common stock appreciates in value. In addition, stock option grants and stock awards vest over five years, thereby providing an additional retention incentive.

Subject to permitted adjustments for certain corporate transactions, the Equity Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 2,377,326 shares of Company common stock pursuant to grants of incentive and non-statutory stock options and restricted stock awards. No more than 679,236 shares may be issued as restricted stock awards.

Types of Awards. The Compensation Committee may determine the type and terms and conditions of awards under the Equity Plan. Awards may be granted in a combination of incentive and non-statutory stock options or restricted stock awards, as follows.

(i) Stock Options. A stock option gives the recipient or “optionee” the right to purchase shares of common stock at a specified price for a specified period of time. The exercise price may not be less than the fair market value on the date the stock option is granted. Fair market value for purposes of the Equity Plan means the final sales price of Company’s common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Market on the date the option is granted, or if the Company’s common stock was not traded on such date, then on the day

prior to such date or on the next preceding day on which the Company’s common stock was traded, and without regard to after-hours trading activity. The Committee will determine the fair market value, in accordance with Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, if it cannot be determined in the manner described above.

Stock options are either “incentive” stock options or “non-qualified” stock options. Incentive stock options have certain tax advantages and must comply with the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. Only employees are eligible to receive incentive stock options. Shares of common stock purchased upon the exercise of a stock option must be paid for in full at the time of exercise (i) either in cash or with stock of the Company which was owned by the participant for at least six months prior to delivery, or (ii) by reduction in the number of shares deliverable pursuant to the stock option, or (iii) subject to a “cashless exercise” through a third party. Cash may be paid in lieu of any fractional shares under the Equity Plan. Stock options are subject to vesting conditions and restrictions as determined by the Committee.

(ii) Stock Awards. Stock awards under the Equity Plan will be granted only in whole shares of common stock. Stock awards will be subject to conditions established by the Committee which are set forth in the award agreement. Any stock award granted under the Equity Plan will be subject to vesting as determined by the Committee. Awards will be evidenced by agreements approved by the Committee, which set forth the terms and conditions of each award.

Vesting of Awards. If the right to become vested in an award under the Equity Plan is conditioned on the completion of a specified period of service with the Company or its subsidiaries, without the achievement of performance measures or objectives, then unless otherwise determined by the Committee and evidenced in an award agreement, the required period of service for full vesting shall not be less than three years for an employee, and not less than one year for a director, subject in either case to acceleration in the event of death, disability, retirement, involuntary termination of employment of service following a change in control, or other enumerated events.

Assuming that an involuntary termination of employment (other than for cause) following a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan) had occurred as of September 30, 2011, based on the closing price per share of Company stock on that date, the value of a reasonable estimate of the awards made to the named executive officers would be as follows: Mr. Olson would receive $0 in value for accelerated stock options and $571,101 in value for accelerated restricted stock; Mr. Muto would receive $0 in value for accelerated stock options and $267,274 in value for accelerated restricted stock; Mr. Howes would receive $0 in value for accelerated stock options and $215,875 in value for accelerated restricted stock; Ms. Warner would receive $0 in value for accelerated stock options and $205,597 in value for accelerated restricted stock; and Ms. Reimer would receive $0 in value for accelerated stock options and $174,756 in value for accelerated restricted stock.

401(k) Plan. ESSA Bank & Trust maintains a non-standardized prototype 401(k) plan through Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). Employees may participate in the plan when they have attained age 21 and completed one year of service and have been credited with 1,000 hours during the year of service. Participants may make pre-tax salary deferrals to the plan not to exceed $16,500 (which is the 2011 limit; the limit is adjusted annually for IRS-announced cost-of-living increases). In addition, participants who are 50 or older may make pre-tax “catch up” contributions to the plan up to $5,500 (this limit is also adjusted annually by the IRS for cost-of-living increases). All contributions are 100% vested. Distributions will be made upon death, disability, termination of employment, or attainment of age 59-1/2. In addition to the other self-directed investment alternatives offered under the plan, participants are offered the opportunity to purchase stock in the Company through a unitized employer stock fund, consisting of 95% stock and 5% cash. Benefits are paid in the form of lump sum, installments, partial withdrawals, or a joint and 100% survivor annuity.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan. ESSA Bank & Trust sponsors the ESSA Bank & Trust Employee Stock Ownership Plan for the benefit of its employees. Employees who are at least 21 years old with at least one year of service during which the employee has completed at least 1,000 hours of service with ESSA Bank & Trust are eligible to participate. As part of ESSA Bank & Trust’s 2007 stock offering, the Employee Stock Ownership Plan trust borrowed funds from the Company and used those funds to purchase a number of shares equal to 8% of the common stock sold in the offering (1,358,472 shares). Collateral for the loan is the common stock purchased by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The loan will be repaid principally from ESSA Bank & Trust’s discretionary contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan over a period of up to 30 years. The loan documents provide that the loan may be repaid over a shorter period, without penalty for prepayments. Shares purchased by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan will be held in a suspense account for allocation among participants as the loan is repaid.

Contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and shares released from the suspense account in an amount proportional to the repayment of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan loan will be allocated among Employee Stock Ownership Plan participants on the basis of compensation in the year of allocation. Participants will be 100% vested in benefits under the plan upon completion of three years of credited service, with credit given to participants for years of credited service with ESSA Bank & Trust’s mutual predecessor. A participant’s interest in his or her account under the plan will also fully vest in the event of termination of service due to a participant’s early or normal retirement, death, disability, or upon a change in control (as defined in the plan). Vested benefits will be payable in the form of common stock and/or cash. ESSA Bank & Trust’s contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan are discretionary, subject to the loan terms and tax law limits. Therefore, benefits payable under the Employee Stock Ownership Plan cannot be estimated. Pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to record compensation expense each year in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares released or committed to be released from the suspense account. In the event of a change in control, the Employee Stock Ownership Plan will terminate and participants will become fully vested in their account balances.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan. Since 1969, ESSA Bank & Trust has maintained an individually designed, tax-qualified defined benefit plan (the “Pension Plan”). Effective January 1, 2007, the Pension Plan began operating on a calendar year basis. All employees age 21 or older who have completed one year of employment with ESSA Bank & Trust are eligible for membership in the Pension Plan; however, only employees who have been credited with 1,000 or more hours of service with ESSA Bank & Trust are eligible to accrue benefits under the Pension Plan. ESSA Bank & Trust annually contributes an amount to the plan necessary to at least satisfy the minimum funding requirements established under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”).

The regular form of retirement benefit is a straight life annuity (if single) and a joint and survivor annuity (if married), however, various alternative forms of joint and survivor annuities may be selected instead. Upon termination of employment at or after age 65 with at least 5 years of employment, a participant is entitled to a normal retirement annual benefit equal to a percentage of average monthly compensation determined over the participant’s high 5-year average salary during the 10 years before the participant’s retirement. If the participant terminates employment on or after attaining age 60 with 15 years of service, his or her normal retirement benefit will be reduced by 0.5% for each month by which the participant’s actual retirement date precedes his or her normal retirement date. A participant may postpone retirement beyond normal retirement date, in which case the participant will continue earning service towards his or her accrued benefit. If a married participant dies while in active service and after having become fully vested (i.e., completed 5 years of service), a qualified 50% survivor spouse benefit will be payable to the participant’s beneficiary. No pre-retirement death benefits are available to unmarried participants. Upon termination of employment due to disability, the participant will be entitled to an early or normal retirement benefit, where the participant’s accrued benefit is determined based on service performed through the disability date.

Supplemental Retirement Plan. ESSA Bank & Trust has entered into Executive Salary Continuation Agreements (“Supplemental Retirement Plan”) with Mr. Olson, Ms. Reimer, Mr. Howes and Mr. Grayuski. If the designated executive has been employed with ESSA Bank & Trust for at least 30 years upon normal retirement age (65) or early retirement age (60), then the benefit described in the agreement will be paid to the executive for no less than 192 months following the executive’s retirement, unless the executive elects to receive the present value of the payments as a lump sum. The amount of the normal benefit equals 70% of the executive’s final compensation determined over the executive’s high 5-year average salary during the 10 years before the executive’s retirement.

The normal retirement benefit is reduced by 0.05% for each month the executive terminates employment after early retirement age but prior to normal retirement age. If the executive voluntarily terminates employment before age 65 or has his or her employment involuntarily terminated other than for cause, the employer shall pay in a lump sum or 60 monthly installments, the amount accrued to fund the promised benefit as of the date of such termination. If a change-in-control occurs, then the benefits promised under the Supplemental Retirement Plan at normal retirement age will be paid to the executive at normal retirement age, even if the executive’s employment terminates before normal retirement age (except no payment shall be made if the termination is due to cause). Benefits become vested after 5 years of service and before completing 5 years of service, benefits are zero percent vested. If the executive dies while actively employed by us, but before attaining age 65, the amount accrued under the plan as of the executive’s date of death will be paid to the executive’s designated beneficiaries. If the executive dies after the commencement of payment of benefits under the Supplemental Retirement Plan, remaining payments will be made to the executive’s beneficiaries. We recorded an credit of $10,000 for the Supplemental Retirement Plan during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011. Based on current compensation levels, the Company anticipates the estimated aggregate expense of the Supplemental Retirement Plan to be approximately $515,979 through September 30, 2016 and approximately $638,826 million through September 30, 2021. These estimated expenses will increase as compensation levels of the participants increase.

Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreements. The Company has entered into split dollar life insurance agreements with Messrs. Olson, Muto, Howes and Grayuski and with Ms. Warner and Ms. Reimer. Under the agreements, if the executive dies while employed by the Company, the executive’s beneficiary will receive four times the executive’s base salary (five times for Mr. Olson) in a lump sum. The Company has purchased bank-owned life insurance policies to fund these obligations. The Summary Compensation Table includes the value of these benefits.

Director Compensation

Each of the individuals who serves as a director of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. also serves as a director of ESSA Bank & Trust and earns director and committee fees in that capacity. Each non-employee director (except for the Chairman of the Board) is paid a fee of $2,000 per month for their service and $1,000 for each Board meeting attended. In addition, the Chairperson of a committee is paid $750 for each committee meeting attended and committee members are paid $500 for each committee meeting attended. In lieu of the above mentioned fees, the Chairman of the Board is paid an annual retainer of $60,000 and $1,500 for each Board meeting attended. The Chairman of the Board is not compensated for attendance at any committee meetings.

The following table sets forth the total fees received by the non-management directors during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011:


Name	Fees earned or paid in cash ($)		All other compensation ($) ⁽¹⁾		Total ($)
John E. Burrus		78,000		2,038		80,038
Daniel J. Henning		40,500		2,038		42.538
Frederick E. Kutteroff		41,500		2,038		43,538
Elizabeth B. Weekes		41,500		2,038		43,538
John S. Schoonover, Jr		38,500		2,038		40,538
Robert C. Selig, Jr		38,000		2,038		40,038
William P. Douglass		41,750		2,038		43,788
William A. Viechnicki, D.D.S		40,000		2,038		42,038
Brian T. Regan		18,500		—		18,500

⁽¹⁾	The amounts in this column reflects cash dividends received on unvested restricted stock awards. There were no perquisites or other personal benefits that exceeded $10,000.

Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreements. The Company entered into split dollar life insurance agreements with all of its directors in 2004 other than Mr. Kutteroff, who received this benefit in September 2011 and Mr. Regan who has not yet received a similar benefit. Under the agreements, when the director dies, the director’s beneficiary will receive $100,000 in a lump sum. The Company has purchased bank-owned life insurance policies to fund these obligations. The Company also pays each director other than Mr. Regan an annual cash bonus equal to the value of the taxes the director must pay on the imputed value of the life insurance coverage.

PROPOSAL II - RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED

PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

The Company’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 were S.R. Snodgrass, A.C. (“Snodgrass”). The Audit Committee of the Board has approved the engagement of Snodgrass to be the Company’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, subject to the ratification of the appointment by the Company’s stockholders at the Annual Meeting.

Stockholder ratification of the selection of Snodgrass is not required by the Company’s Bylaws or otherwise. However, the Board will submit the selection of the independent registered public accountants to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection of Snodgrass, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee may, at its discretion, direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such change is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

Fees Paid to Snodgrass

Set forth below is certain information concerning aggregate fees for professional services rendered by Snodgrass during fiscal years 2011 and 2010.

Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed to the Company by Snodgrass for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements, review of the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K and services that are normally provided by Snodgrass in connection with statutory and regulatory filings and engagements were $168,252 and $160,912 during fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Audit Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed to the Company by Snodgrass for assurance and related services rendered that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of and review of the consolidated financial statements and that are not already reported in “Audit Fees” above, were $26,393 and $22,000 during fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. These services were primarily related to the audits of the Company’s employee benefit plans.

Tax Fees. The aggregate fees billed to the Company by Snodgrass for professional services rendered for tax compliance were $16,800 and $9,600 during fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accountants

The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accountants. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Pre-approval is provided for up to one year, and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is subject to a specific budget. The Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval authority to its Chair when necessary, with subsequent reporting to the Audit Committee. The independent registered public accountants and management are required to report to the Audit Committee quarterly regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accountants in accordance with this pre-approval policy, and the fees for the services performed to date.

Required Vote and Recommendation of the Board

In order to ratify the appointment of Snodgrass as independent registered public accountants for fiscal 2012, the proposal must receive the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, either in person or by proxy.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF SNODGRASS AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

PROPOSAL III - ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The compensation of our Principal Executive Officer and our four other most highly compensated executive officers of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (“Named Executive Officers”) as described in “PROPOSAL I—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS—Executive Compensation.” Stockholders are urged to read the Executive Compensation section of this Proxy Statement, which discusses our compensation policies and procedures with respect to our Named Executive Officers.

Stockholders will be asked at the Annual Meeting to provide their support with respect to the compensation of our Named Executive Officers by voting on the following advisory, non-binding resolution:

RESOLVED, that the stockholders of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers described in the Executive Compensation section of the Proxy Statement.

This advisory vote, commonly referred to as a “say-on-pay” advisory vote, is non-binding on the Board of Directors. Although non-binding, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee value constructive dialogue on executive compensation and other important governance topics with our stockholders and encourages all stockholders to vote their shares on this matter. The Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee will review the voting results and take them into consideration when making future decisions regarding our executive compensation programs.

Unless otherwise instructed, validly executed proxies will be voted “FOR” this resolution.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE RESOLUTION SET FORTH IN PROPOSAL III.

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2013 ANNUAL MEETING

In order to be eligible for inclusion in the proxy materials for next year’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, any stockholder proposal to take action at such meeting must be received at the Company’s Executive Office, 200 Palmer Street, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360, no later than September 30, 2012. Any such proposals shall be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules adopted under the Exchange Act.

Advance Notice of Business to be Conducted at an Annual Meeting

Under our Bylaws, a stockholder must follow certain procedures to nominate persons for election as directors or to introduce an item of business at a meeting of stockholders. These procedures provide, generally, that stockholders desiring to make nominations for directors, or to bring a proper subject of business before the meeting, must do so by a written notice timely received generally not later than September 30, 2012.

Nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to require us to include in our proxy statement and proxy relating to an annual meeting any stockholder proposal that does not meet all of the requirements for inclusion established by the Securities and Exchange Commission in effect at the time such proposal is received.

OTHER MATTERS

The Board is not aware of any business to come before the Annual Meeting other than the matters described above in this proxy statement. However, if any matters should properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that holders of the proxies will act in accordance with their best judgment.

The Audit Committee Report and the Report of the Compensation Committee included in this proxy statement shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this information by reference. The Audit and Compensation Committee Reports shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.

An additional copy of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011, will be furnished without charge upon written or telephonic request to Suzie T. Farley, Corporate Secretary, 200 Palmer Street, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, 18360 or call (570) 421-0531.

REVOCABLE PROXY

ESSA BANCORP, INC.

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

March 1, 2012

11:00 a.m., Eastern Time

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned hereby appoints the members of the official proxy committee of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), or any of them, with full power of substitution in each, to act as proxy for the undersigned, and to vote all shares of common stock of the Company which the undersigned is entitled to vote only at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 1, 2012 at 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, at the Stroudsmoor Country Inn, located at RD #4, Stroudsmoor Road, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360 and at any and all adjournments thereof, with all of the powers the undersigned would possess if personally present at such meeting as follows:

1.	The election as directors of all nominees listed (unless the “For All Except” box is marked and the instructions below are complied with):

John E. Burrus, John S. Schoonover, Jr. and Robert C. Selig, Jr.


FOR	WITHHOLD	FOR ALL EXCEPT

¨	¨	¨

INSTRUCTION: To withhold your vote for any individual nominee, mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT” and write that nominee’s name on the line provided below.

2.	The ratification of the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C. as the independent registered public accounting firm of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012.


FOR	AGAINST	ABSTAIN

¨	¨	¨

3.	To consider and act upon an advisory, non-binding resolution regarding the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers as described in the Executive Compensation section of the Proxy Statement.


FOR	AGAINST	ABSTAIN

¨	¨	¨

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSALS 1, 2 AND 3.

This proxy is revocable and will be voted as directed, but if no instructions are specified, this proxy, properly signed and dated, will be voted “FOR” each of Proposals 1, 2 and 3. If any other business is presented at the Annual Meeting, including whether or not to adjourn the meeting, this proxy will be voted by the proxies in their judgment. At the present time, the Board of Directors knows of no other business to be presented at the Annual Meeting. This proxy also confers discretionary authority on the proxy committee of the Board of Directors to vote (1) with respect to the election of any person as director, where the nominees are unable to serve or for good cause will not serve and (2) matters incident to the conduct of the meeting.


Dated:
				SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER


				SIGNATURE OF CO-HOLDER (IF ANY)

Please sign exactly as your name appears on this card. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title. If shares are held jointly, each holder may sign but only one signature is required.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials

The Company’s Proxy Statement, including the Notice of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and the 2011 Annual Report to Stockholders are each available on the internet at www.essaproxy.com.

PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY MAIL THIS PROXY

IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Suzie T. Farley

January 27, 2012

Corporate Secretary