SLND Southland Holdings Inc

Table of Contents

​

​

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.        )

Filed by the Registrant ☒

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

​

​

​

SOUTHLAND HOLDINGS, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

​

​

​

​

​

​

Table of Contents

SOUTHLAND HOLDINGS, INC.

1100 Kubota Drive

Grapevine, Texas 76501

Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders

April 3, 2024

Date of Meeting:Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Purposes of the Meeting:

​

Who May Attend the Meeting:

Only stockholders, persons holding proxies from stockholders and invited representatives of the media and financial community may attend the meeting.

How to Participate:

To participate in the Annual Meeting, you must visit http://virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SLND2024 and enter the control number included in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, on your proxy card, or in the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. During the Annual Meeting, stockholders may vote their shares virtually and submit questions by following the instructions available on the meeting website. If you are a beneficial stockholder, you may contact the bank, broker or other institution where you hold your shares if you have questions about obtaining your control number.

Record Date:

The record date for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) is March 19, 2024. This means that if you own Southland stock at the close of business on that date, you are entitled to receive notice of the meeting and vote at the meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.

Annual Report:

Our Annual Report to Stockholders for 2023 will be made available to stockholders at the same time as the proxy materials.

​

Table of Contents

Information about the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials:

Instead of mailing a printed copy of our proxy materials, including our Annual Report, to each stockholder of record, we will provide access to these materials online. This reduces the amount of paper necessary to produce these materials, as well as the costs associated with mailing these materials to all stockholders. Accordingly, on or about April 5, 2024, we will begin mailing a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) to all stockholders of record as of March 19, 2024. We will also post our proxy materials on the website referenced in the Notice (https://www.ProxyVote.com).

All stockholders may choose to access our proxy materials online or may request to receive a printed set of our proxy materials. In addition, the Notice and website provide information regarding how you may request to receive proxy materials in printed form by mail on an ongoing basis.

Proxy Voting:

Your vote is important. Please vote your proxy promptly so your shares can be represented at the Annual Meeting even if you plan to attend the meeting. Stockholders can vote by Internet, telephone or mail. Stockholders may revoke a proxy and vote virtually if attending the Annual Meeting.

The Annual Meeting will be held exclusively online via live audio webcast on the above date and time. You or your proxyholder will be able to attend the Annual Meeting online, vote your shares virtually and submit questions during the meeting by visiting http://virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SLND2024 and using your control number included in the Notice, on your proxy card, or in the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials.

In the event of a technical malfunction or other situation that the meeting chair determines may affect the ability of the Annual Meeting to satisfy the requirements for a meeting of stockholders to be held by means of remote communication under the Delaware General Corporation Law, or that otherwise makes it advisable to adjourn the Annual Meeting, the chair or secretary of the meeting will convene the meeting at 9:30 a.m. Central Time on the date specified above solely for the purpose of adjourning the meeting to reconvene at a date, time and location announced by the meeting chair. Under either of the foregoing circumstances, we will post information regarding the adjournment on the investors page of our website at www.southlandholdings.com. Additionally, the Company will display during the time scheduled for the Annual Meeting at http://virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SLND2024 the date, time and location of the adjourned meeting.

​

​

​

​

​

​

Table of Contents

​

​

​

​

i

​

Table of Contents

SOUTHLAND HOLDINGS, INC.

1100 Kubota Drive

Grapevine, Texas 76501

PROXY STATEMENT

As more fully described in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, Southland Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation (referred to herein as “we,” “us,” “our,” “Southland” or the “Company”), on behalf of its Board of Directors (referred to herein as “Board of Directors” or “Board”), has made its proxy materials available to you on the Internet in connection with Southland’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”), which will take place virtually at http://virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SLND2024 on May 15, 2024. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials was mailed to all Southland stockholders of record on or about April 5, 2024, and our proxy materials were posted on the website referenced in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and made available to stockholders on April 5, 2024. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, please follow the instructions included in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

After carefully considering the format of our Annual Meeting, our Board concluded to hold the Annual Meeting exclusively online. To participate in the Annual Meeting, you must go to http://virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SLND2024 and enter the 16-digit control number included in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, on your proxy card, or in the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. During the Annual Meeting, stockholders may vote their shares virtually and submit questions by following the instructions available on the meeting website. Please refer to the “Participating in the Annual Meeting” section of this Proxy Statement for more details about attending the Annual Meeting online.

Southland, on behalf of its Board of Directors, is soliciting your proxy to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting or any subsequent adjournment or postponement. We solicit proxies to give all stockholders of record an opportunity to vote on the matters listed in the accompanying notice and/or any other matters that may be presented at the Annual Meeting. In this proxy statement you will find information on these matters, which is provided to assist you in voting your shares.

​

​

1

​

Table of Contents

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF CLASS I DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors is divided into three classes. Each director serves for a term of three years. The classes are arranged so that the terms of the directors in each class expire at successive annual meetings. The Board currently consists of seven directors.

The terms of our Class I Directors, Kyle Burtnett and Mario Ramirez, will expire at the Annual Meeting. The Board, upon the recommendation of our Nominating and Governance Committee, has nominated Kyle Burtnett and Mario Ramirez for new terms. If elected, each of the nominees will serve as a director until the 2027 annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor is elected and qualified or he resigns or until his death, retirement or removal.

Management knows of no reason why any of these nominees would be unable or unwilling to serve. All nominees have accepted the nomination and agreed to serve as a director if elected by the stockholders.

Director Nominees

Set forth below are the names, ages and backgrounds of the two director nominees and the other directors continuing in office, as well as the specific experiences, qualifications, attributes and skills that led our Board of Directors to conclude that these individuals should serve or continue serving as directors of the Company at this time.

Class I

Kyle Burtnett

Kyle Burtnett has served as a member of the Board since the consummation of the merger agreement between Legato II and Southland LLC (“Business Combination”) in February 2023. Mr. Burtnett serves as Chief Executive Officer of Headlands Research. Mr. Burtnett has also served as the President of GI Alliance, the largest physician-led network of gerontology providers, from November 2020 to June 2023. Prior serving as President of GI Alliance, Mr. Burtnett served as the Chief Operating Officer of Conifer Health Solutions, Inc. (“Conifer”) between October 2017 and June 2020. Mr. Burtnett also served as the interim Chief Executive Officer of Conifer during his tenure with the company and was involved in leading Conifer through its spinoff from Tenet Healthcare Solutions, Inc. Mr. Burtnett previously served as President, Ambulatory Services and Chief Integration Officer for Tenet’s United Surgical Partners International (“USPI”) subsidiary from June 2015 to October 2017. Prior to USPI, Mr. Burtnett served as Senior Vice President of Tenet’s Outpatient Services Division. He held numerous positions with Tenet from August 2003 to June 2015. Mr. Burtnett earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the U.S. Air Force Academy and an MBA from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business.

Mario Ramirez

Mario Ramirez has served as a member of the Board since the consummation of the Business Combination in February 2023. Mr. Ramirez has also served as the Managing Director of Avalon Net Worth, an independent boutique investment bank focused on providing business advisory services to middle-market companies, since June 2018. Mr. Ramirez also serves as President of MRamirez Group, LLC, a consulting firm Mr. Ramirez founded in January 2017 focused on advising family offices, business development and public-private partnerships in collaboration with influential business leaders. Mr. Ramirez was previously with TIAA, a Fortune 100 financial services company from 1995 to 2016 where he served on the senior leadership team in the role of Managing Director of Executive Relations and Hispanic Markets. Mr. Ramirez also serves on the Sam M. Walton College of Business Dean’s Executive Advisory Board, the Garrison Financial Institute board of directors, and is a member of the Board of Trustees for Liberty Christian School. Mr. Ramirez serves as Vice Chairman of the Hispanic Leadership Alliance and Vice chairman of Fossil Rim Wild Life Center. Mr. Ramirez previously served on the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame Selection Committee, the Arkansas Executive Forum, and the Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee and chaired the Campaign Committee for Diverse Programs. In addition, Mr. Ramirez earned a BSBA in Finance degree in 1989 from the Sam M. Walton College at the University of Arkansas.

​

BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDATION

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” each of the above-named nominees.

​

2

​

Table of Contents

Continuing Directors

Class II – Term Expiring in 2025

Brian Pratt

Brian Pratt has served as a member of the Board and Non-Executive Chairman of the Board since November 2021. Mr. Pratt serves as Non-Executive Chairman of the board of directors of Legato Merger Corp. III. Mr. Pratt served as Non-Executive Chairman of the board of directors of Legato Merger Corp. from August 2020 until its merger with Algoma Steel Group Inc. (“Algoma”) in October 2021. Mr. Pratt served as Chairman of Primoris Services Corp (“Primoris”) from July 2008 until May 2019 and as a director on the Primoris board of directors from July 2008 to February 2020. He served as Primoris’ President and Chief Executive Officer from July 2008 to October 25, 2015. Mr. Pratt has been managing his personal investments since leaving Primoris. From 1983 through July 2008, he served as the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors of Primoris’ predecessor entity, ARB, Inc. Mr. Pratt has over 35 years of hands-on operations and management experience in the construction industry. Mr. Pratt completed four years of courses in Civil Engineering at California Polytechnic College in Pomona, California.

Izzy Martins

Izzy Martins has served as a member of the Board since the consummation of the Business Combination in February 2023. Ms. Martins currently serves as Executive Vice President and CFO of Avis Budget Group, Inc. (“Avis”) since January 2024. Ms. Martins has also served as Executive Vice President of Avis from June 2020 to December 2023 after assuming the responsibilities associated with this role on an interim basis in January 2020. Previously, Ms. Martins held various strategic and financial roles with Avis, including Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Americas from May 2014 through December 2019, Senior Vice President and Acting Chief Accounting Officer from November 2010 through May 2014 and Vice President of Tax from August 2006 through November 2010. Ms. Martins was Avis’s Director of Tax Planning and Mergers & Acquisitions of Cendant Corporation (as the company was formerly known) from November 2004 through August 2006. Prior to joining Avis, Ms. Martins was associated with Deloitte & Touche LLP for seven years. Ms. Martins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University.

Class III – Term Expiring in 2026

Frank Renda

Frank Renda has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since the consummation of the Business Combination. Mr. Renda is responsible for identifying and establishing all necessary initiatives to achieve short-term and long-term corporate goals. He has nearly 30 years of experience across various disciplines within the construction industry and has spent the last 20 years as the CEO of Southland LLC. He has combined his operational background, industry knowledge, and M&A expertise to grow the Southland family of companies to well over $1B in annual revenues, with operations throughout North America. Mr. Renda earned his B.S. in Finance from Texas Tech University.

Tim Winn

Tim Winn has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since the consummation of the Business Combination. Mr. Winn has approximately 30 years of experience in technical infrastructure project execution during his tenure at Southland. Under his leadership, Southland LLC, and its various subsidiaries, has completed some of the nation’s most complex bridge, marine, underground tunneling, structural and emergency infrastructure services for both public and private clients. Additionally, Mr. Winn has successfully integrated numerous strategic acquisitions to strengthen Southland Holdings operational capabilities. Mr. Winn earned his B.S. in Finance and Economics from Texas Tech University.

Gregory Monahan

Gregory Monahan has served as a member of the Board since November 2021. He also served as Legato II’s Chief Executive Officer from November 2021 until the consummation of the Business Combination in February 2023. Mr. Monahan has served as a Senior Managing Director of Crescendo Partners, L.P., a New York-based investment firm, since 2005, the Portfolio Manager of Jamarant Capital, L.P., a private investment partnership, since January 2016 and the Chief Executive Officer of Legato Merger Corp. III since February 2023. Mr. Monahan previously co-founded Bind Network Solutions, a consulting firm formed in 1998 which was focused on network infrastructure and security. Mr. Monahan currently serves on the board of directors of Legato Merger Corp. III. From December 2012 to August 2023, Mr. Monahan served on the board of directors of Absolute Software Corp, a provider of security and management for computer and ultra-portable devices. Mr. Monahan also served as a director of Primo Water Corporation, a leading pure-play water solutions provider from June 2008 to May 2023; BSM Technologies, a commercial fleet telematics provider from Jun 2016 to May 2019; COM DEV International, a designer and manufacturer of space hardware from April 2013 to April 2016; ENTREC

3

​

Table of Contents

Corporation, a crane and heavy haul transportation company from May 2015 to May 2016; SAExploration Holdings, a geophysical services company offering seismic data acquisition services to the oil and gas industry from June 2013 to July 2016; O’Charley’s Inc., a multi-concept restaurant company from March 2008 to April 2012; and Bridgewater Systems, a telecommunications software provider from May 2009 to August 2011. Mr. Monahan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at Union College and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Mr. Monahan is NACD Directorship Certified®.

​

INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Meetings and Committees of the Board

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Board. The Board consists of seven directors, all of whom were elected to the Board upon the consummation of the Business Combination. The following chart shows the standing committees of the Board of Directors, the current membership of the committees and the number of meetings held by each committee in 2023.

​

The Board of Directors met four times during 2023. Each member of the Board attended 75% or more of the aggregate of (i) the total number of Board meetings held during the period of such member’s service and (ii) the total number of meetings of committees on which such member served, during the period of such member’s service.

While we do not have a formal policy regarding attendance by members of our Board at our annual meetings of stockholders, each director is encouraged to attend. The Annual Meeting will be our first annual meeting after our Business Combination.

Director Independence

We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NYSE American LLC (“NYSE”) listing standards. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, a group or another company is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements of the NYSE, including (i) the requirement that a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors, (ii) the requirement that we have a nominating and corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities and (iii) the requirement that we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities. Although we meet the definition of a “controlled company,” we have determined at this time not to take advantage of this designation and comply with all the corporate governance rules applicable to listed companies that are not controlled companies. We may, however, determine to take advantage of these exemptions in the future.

NYSE listing standards generally define an “independent director” as a person, other than an executive officer of a company or any other individual having a relationship which, in the opinion of the issuer’s board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.

​

The Board has determined that each of the directors other than Mr. Renda and Mr. Winn qualifies as an independent director, as defined under the listing rules of NYSE, and that the Board consists of a majority of “independent directors,” as defined under the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and NYSE listing rules relating to director independence requirements.

4

​

Table of Contents

Corporate Governance

We have structured the Company’s corporate governance in a manner we believe closely aligns our interests with those of our stockholders. Notable features of this corporate governance include:

Anti-Hedging Policy

The Company’s Insider Trading policy prohibits all insiders, which includes our executive officers and directors, from engaging in hedging transactions involving the Company’s securities.

Committees of the Board

The Board has three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee, each of which is governed by a charter. The charters for these committees are posted on our website, www.southlandholdings.com.

Audit Committee

Ms. Martins currently serves as the chair and a member of the Audit Committee, along with Mr. Monahan and Mr. Burtnett also serving as members. The Audit Committee meets NYSE audit committee composition requirements, and each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate.  The Board has determined that each of Ms. Martins, Mr. Burtnett and Mr. Monahan qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the SEC.

The functions of the Audit Committee include, among other things:

5

​

Table of Contents

The composition and function of the Audit Committee complies with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, all applicable SEC rules and regulations and all applicable NYSE listing rules. The Company will comply with future requirements of the SEC, NYSE or other applicable authority to the extent they become applicable to the Company.

Compensation Committee

Mr. Burtnett currently serves as the chair and a member of the Compensation Committee, along with Mr. Pratt and Ms. Martins also serving as members. The Board has determined that each of the members of the Compensation Committee satisfies the independence requirements of NYSE and is a non-employee director, as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

The functions of the Compensation Committee include, among other things:

6

​

Table of Contents

The Compensation Committee may also, in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice of a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser and will be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any such adviser. However, before engaging or receiving advice from a compensation consultant, external legal counsel or any other adviser, the Compensation Committee will consider the independence of each such adviser, including the factors required by NYSE and the SEC.

The composition and function of the Compensation Committee complies with all applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and all applicable SEC and NYSE rules and regulations.

Nominating and Governance Committee

Mr. Ramirez currently serves as the chair and a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee, along with Mr. Monahan and Mr. Pratt also serving as members. All three members of the Nominating and Governance Committee meet NYSE independence requirements. The Nominating and Governance Committee assists the Board by identifying and recommending individuals qualified to become members of the Board.

The process of identifying and recommending individuals to become members of the Board consists of reviewing candidates in the context of the current composition of the Board (including diversity in background, experience and viewpoints), the operating requirements of the Company and the long-term interests of the Company’s stockholders. In conducting this assessment, the Nominating and Governance Committee considers and evaluates each director-candidate based upon its assessment of the following criteria:

The Nominating and Governance Committee is also responsible for evaluating the composition, size and governance of the Board and its committees and making recommendations regarding future planning and the appointment of directors to the committees, establishing a policy for considering stockholder nominees to the Board, reviewing the corporate governance principles and making recommendations to the Board regarding possible changes; and reviewing and monitoring compliance with the Company’s Code of Business Conduct.

​

7

​

Table of Contents

STOCKHOLDER NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTORS

The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider candidates for director nominees that are recommended by our stockholders in the same manner as Board recommended nominees, in accordance with the procedures set forth in our Amended and Restated Bylaws and in our Nominating and Governance Committee Charter.

Our Amended and Restated Bylaws state that in order for a stockholder of the Company to propose nominations of candidates to be elected as directors at an annual meeting, such stockholder must, among other things, provide notice thereof in writing to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company not later than the close of business on the 90th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting (provided however that if the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, or if no annual meeting was held the preceding year, notice must be delivered no earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the date on which public announcement of such meeting is first made by the Company). Such notice must contain, among other things, certain information about the stockholder giving the notice (and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made) and certain information about any nominee or other proposed business.

You are advised to review our Amended and Restated Bylaws and in our Nominating and Governance Committee Charter, which describe such procedures and other requirements about advance notice of stockholder nominations for directors. Any such nominations should be submitted to the Nominating and Governance Committee c/o Secretary and Nominating Committee, Southland Holdings, Inc., 1100 Kubota Drive, Grapevine, Texas 76051.

Communications with the Board

The Board welcomes the submission of any comments or concerns from stockholders, employees and other interested parties. Those who wish to communicate with the Board may submit communications in writing to Southland Holdings, Inc., 1100 Kubota Drive, Grapevine, 76051 and marked to the attention of the Board of Directors or any of its committees or individual directors. All comments or concerns from stockholders and other interested parties will be forwarded directly to the appropriate Board committee or specific directors.

Code of Business Conduct

Following the closing of the Business Combination, we adopted an Amended and Restated Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. The full text of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our website, www.southlandholdings.com. We will provide a copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics without charge upon request. We intend to disclose future amendments to, or waivers of, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, as and to the extent required by SEC regulations, on our website identified above or in public filings.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table identifies our 2023 Named Executive Officers:

Frank Renda

Frank Renda has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since the consummation of the Business Combination. Mr. Renda is responsible for identifying and establishing all necessary initiatives to achieve short-term and long-term corporate goals. He has nearly 30 years of experience across various disciplines within the construction industry and has spent the last 20 years as the CEO of Southland LLC. He has combined his operational background, industry knowledge, and M&A expertise to grow the Southland family of companies to well over $1B in annual revenues, with operations throughout North America. Mr. Renda earned his B.S. in Finance from Texas Tech University.

8

​

Table of Contents

Tim Winn

Tim Winn has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since the consummation of the Business Combination. Mr. Winn has approximately 30 years of experience in technical infrastructure project execution during his tenure at Southland. Under his leadership, Southland LLC, and its various subsidiaries, has completed some of the nation’s most complex bridge, marine, underground tunneling, structural and emergency infrastructure services for both public and private clients. Additionally, Mr. Winn has successfully integrated numerous strategic acquisitions to strengthen Southland Holdings operational capabilities. Mr. Winn earned his B.S. in Finance and Economics from Texas Tech University.

Rudy Renda

Rudy Renda has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Strategy and Special Projects, of the Company since the consummation of the Business Combination. Mr. Renda oversees various plant and conveyance projects for Southland LLC and has been instrumental in the company’s completion of some of the most complex projects in the United States. He combines nearly 30 years of construction experience at Southland, leading various components of contract administration and compliance, resource management, partnering strategies, customer relationships, and coordination across all subsidiaries of Southland LLC. Mr. Renda earned his undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University.

Cody Gallarda

Cody Gallarda has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company since the consummation of the Business Combination.  Mr. Gallarda has more than 15 years of experience in leading and developing finance, accounting, IT, and HR functions while overseeing various strategic initiatives. Prior to joining Southland LLC, he spent more than ten years with Primoris Services Corp., a publicly traded infrastructure firm. Mr. Gallarda is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Texas and holds a Master of Legal Studies degree from Texas A&M University, an M.S. in Accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas, an MBA from California State University, Fullerton, and a B.S. in Business Administration and Technology from California Baptist University.

​

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The Compensation Committee establishes, reviews and approves the overall executive compensation philosophy and policies of the Company. Additionally, the Compensation Committee reviews and approves the Company’s goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the CEO, including, but not limited to salary, bonus and all other forms of compensation for the CEO. The Compensation Committee also determines the compensation of all other NEOs, including, but not limited to salary, bonus and all other forms of compensation.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information with respect to the compensation of Southland’s NEOs for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

​

9

​

Table of Contents

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table

Base Salaries

The named executive officers (“NEOs”) received their respective base salaries to compensate them for services rendered to Southland. The base salary payable to each NEO was intended to provide a market competitive level of fixed compensation reflecting the applicable NEO’s skill set, experience, role and responsibilities. Due to proration, the salaries disclosed below do not match the salaries in the summary compensation table above. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the respective annual base salaries of Southland’s NEOs were as follows:

Cash Bonus

Southland’s NEOs are entitled to receive annual cash bonuses. Payments of the annual cash bonuses are discretionary and not based on any specific performance milestones or financial achievements. Any cash bonuses paid to the Chief Executive Officer are approved by the Compensation Committee and any cash bonuses paid to the other NEOs are approved by the Chief Executive Officer and the Compensation Committee. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the total discretionary cash bonuses earned by Southland’s NEOs were as follows:

Equity Compensation

On February 14, 2023, the Company issued 173,333 restricted stock units to Mr. Gallarda pursuant to an award under the Company’s 2022 Equity Incentive Plan. The restricted stock units will vest over a two-year period, with one-half (1/2) of the shares vesting on February 14, 2024 and the remaining shares vesting on February 14, 2025, based on Mr. Gallarda’s continuous employment with the Company or an affiliate. The restricted stock units were issued in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder, as applicable.

Other Elements of Compensation

Retirement Plans. Southland maintains a 401(k)-Profit Sharing Plan for its employees, including NEOs, who satisfied certain eligibility requirements. NEOs were eligible to participate in the 401(k)-Profit Sharing Plan on the same terms as other full-time employees. The Code allows eligible employees to defer a portion of their compensation, within prescribed limits, on a pre-tax or after tax basis through contributions to the plans, which have discretionary match features.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the total discretionary contributions made in favor of Southland’s NEOs were as follows:

10

​

Table of Contents

Health/Welfare Plans. All of Southland’s full-time employees, including NEOs, were eligible to participate in its health and welfare plans, including, but not limited to, medical, dental and vision benefits, short-term and long-term disability insurance and life insurance.

Car Allowance. NEOs are entitled to receive annual car allowances. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, Mr. Winn, Mr. Rudy Renda and Mr. Gallarda received an annual car allowance of $17,700. Mr. Frank Renda received an annual car allowance of $16,500.

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2023 Fiscal Year-End

​

The following table provides information regarding outstanding equity awards held by our NEOs as of December 31, 2023:

(1)The restricted stock units shall vest over a two-year period. One half (1/2) of the shares vested on February 14, 2024 and the remaining shares shall vest on February 14, 2025.

(2)Reflects the fair market value of a share as of December 31, 2023, which was determined based on the last reported closing price of our common stock on such date ($5.16) multiplied by the number of restricted stock units.

Executive Employment Agreements

Each of Messrs. Frank Renda, Tim Winn, Rudy Renda, and Cody Gallarda have entered into employment agreements with the Company (the “Employment Agreements”). The Employment Agreements generally provide for at-will employment and each executive’s annual base salary, eligibility to receive an annual cash performance bonus, eligibility to receive equity grants pursuant to the Company’s equity plans and eligibility to participate in the Company’s benefit plans.

The annual base salary of each executive, and such executive’s annual cash performance bonus, are expected to be reviewed annually by the Company. Mr. Frank Renda’s Employment Agreement provides for an initial annual base salary of $650,000. Mr. Winn’s Employment Agreement provides for an initial annual base salary of $500,000. Mr. Rudy Renda’s Employment Agreement provides for an initial annual base salary of $500,000. Mr. Gallarda’s Employment Agreement provides for an initial annual base salary of $400,000. Each executive’s Employment Agreement provides for an annual cash performance bonus that is targeted, but not guaranteed, to be between 80% and 200% of such executive’s annual base salary for that particular year.

The Employment Agreements also restrict Messrs. Frank Renda, Tim Winn, and Rudy Renda’s ability to sell more than a certain percentage of his total, aggregate equity holdings in the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates during any calendar year. Each executive officer is subject to certain restrictive covenants, including but not limited to confidentiality, non-disclosure and non-solicitation covenants under his Employment Agreement.

Further, the Employment Agreements provide for the following payments upon termination of an executive’s employment, including in connection with a change in control:

11

​

Table of Contents

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

During the year ended December 31, 2023, our non-employee directors received compensation for their service as directors. Mr. Renda and Mr. Winn received no compensation for their service on our board and only received compensation for their service as officers of the Company.

Our non-employee director compensation program consisted of an annualized retainer of $15,000 in cash for each non-employee director. This totaled a cash retainer paid of $7,500 to each non-employee director. Additionally, each non-employee director was granted 7,174 RSUs on November 7, 2023.

The following table sets forth total compensation awarded to or earned by each of our non-employee directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023:

​

In each subsequent year, the Compensation Committee will determine the non-employee director compensation.

​

12

​

Table of Contents

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table contains information as of December 31, 2023 regarding stock authorized for issuance under the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan:

​

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

​

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than ten percent of our common stock to file reports of their beneficial ownership and changes in ownership (Forms 3, 4 and 5, and any amendment thereto) with the SEC.

​

Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms furnished to us and written representations from the directors and executive officers, we believe that all Section 16(a) filings were timely in fiscal year 2023, except that one (1) late Form 4 was filed for Rudy Renda, Tim Winn and Frank Renda, with respect to shares issued pursuant to an earnout right.

​

​

PROPOSAL 2: RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected Grant Thornton LLP (“GT”) to serve as Southland’s independent registered public accounting firm to perform the audit of our financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

A representative of GT will be present at the Annual Meeting. He or she will be given the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires and will be available to respond to appropriate stockholder questions.

Although stockholder approval of the selection of GT is not required by law, the Board believes that it is advisable to give stockholders an opportunity to ratify this selection. If stockholders do not ratify the appointment of GT as Southland’s independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee will reconsider the appointment. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interest of Southland and our stockholders.

​

BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDATION

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment by the Audit Committee of GT as Southland’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Fees

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, WithumSmith+Brown, PC (“Withum”), served as our independent registered public accounting firm and during such time, billed the approximate fees set presented in the table below.

The table below sets forth the aggregate fees billed to the Company by Withum for services rendered in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (in thousands).

​

13

​

Table of Contents

The table below sets forth the aggregate fees billed to the Company by GT for services rendered in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (in thousands).

​

Our Audit Committee pre-approves all auditing services and permitted non-audit services to be performed for the Company by its independent auditor, including the fees and terms thereof. All audit and non-audit fees were approved by the Audit Committee for 2022 and 2023.

Recent Change in Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Dismissal of Withum

As previously reported on the Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC on March 22, 2023, the Audit Committee on March 21, 2023 dismissed Withum as the Company’s independent auditor, effective as of that date. Withum’s audit report on the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022, and the period from July 14, 2021 (the Company’s inception) through December 31, 2021 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. During the period from July 14, 2021 (the Company’s inception) through December 31, 2021, and the subsequent interim period through march 21, 2023, there were no disagreements, within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Regulation S-K”), and the related instructions thereto, with Withum on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Withum, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports. Also, during the same period, there were no reportable events within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions thereto. Representatives of Withum are not expected to be present at the Annual Meeting

Appointment of GT

The Audit Committee, on and effective as of March 21, 2023, appointed GT as the Company’s independent auditor for the year ended December 31, 2023. During the period from July 14, 2021 (the Company’s inception) through December 31, 2022 and the subsequent interim period through March 21, 2023, neither the Company, nor any party on behalf of the Company, consulted with GT with respect to either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of the audit opinion that might be rendered with respect to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and no written report or oral advice was provided to the Company by GT that was an important factor considered by GT in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue, or (ii) any matter that was subject to any disagreement (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) or a reportable event (as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

14

​

Table of Contents

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee hereby submits the following report:

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 for filing with the SEC. The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed with the SEC” or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it be reference into such filing.

​

​

Audit Committee:

Izzy Martins, Chairperson

Kyle Burtnett

Greg Monahan

​

​

​

15

​

Table of Contents

STOCK OWNERSHIP OF BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND CERTAIN MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth information known to us regarding the beneficial ownership of common stock as of March 19, 2024, by:

•each of our current executive officers and directors; and

•all of our current executive officers and directors as a group.

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power over that security, including options and warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

The beneficial ownership of common stock is based on 47,943,861 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of March 19, 2024.

*Less than one percent

16

​

Table of Contents

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

​

In addition to the compensation arrangements with executive officers and directors as described above, the following is a description of each transaction since January 1, 2022, and each currently proposed transaction in which:

Family Relationships

Frank Renda and Rudy V. Renda are first cousins.

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions – Southland LLC

Related Party Loans

On November 30, 2016, Southland LLC issued a promissory note for the principal amount of $3.2 million to Frank S. Renda, its President and Chief Executive Officer and a manager on its board of managers (the “2016 Frank Renda Note”). The 2016 Frank Renda Note was issued by Southland LLC in connection with Southland LLC’s acquisition of Mr. Renda’s ownership interests in Oscar Renda Contracting, Inc., and it is secured by a security interest in such ownership interests. The 2016 Frank Renda Note bears interest at a rate of 1.29% per annum, which is due and payable annually as it accrues. There are no installment payments of principal due under the 2016 Frank Renda Note prior to maturity, and the unpaid principal thereunder, together with outstanding accrued interest, shall become due and payable on December 31, 2025. Southland LLC has not made any payments of principal under the 2016 Frank Renda Note. As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the 2016 Frank Renda Note was $3.2 million, and the aggregate outstanding accrued interest thereunder was $0.3 million. Mr. Renda now serves as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director of the Company following the consummation of the Business Combination. Mr. Renda is also the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company following the consummation of the Business Combination.

On November 30, 2018, Southland LLC issued an unsecured promissory note for the principal amount of $1.2 million to Frank S. Renda, its President and Chief Executive Officer and a manager on its board of managers (the “2018 Frank Renda Note”). The 2018 Frank Renda Note bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the long-term applicable federal rate with a monthly compounding period, as published by the Internal Revenue Service from time to time, or, if greater, the minimum rate of interest necessary under applicable law to avoid the existence of a taxable benefit to Mr. Renda in respect of the amount of interest payable thereunder. Interest under the 2018 Frank Renda Note is due and payable annually on December 31st of each year as it accrues. There are no installment payments of principal due under the 2018 Frank Renda Note prior to maturity, and the unpaid principal thereunder, together with outstanding accrued interest, shall become due and payable on November 30, 2023. Southland LLC has not made any payments of principal under the 2018 Frank Renda Note. As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the 2018 Frank Renda Note was $1.2 million, and the aggregate outstanding accrued interest thereunder was $0.2 million. Mr. Renda now serves as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director of the Company following the consummation of the Business Combination. Mr. Renda is also the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company following the consummation of the Business Combination.

On November 30, 2016, Southland LLC issued a promissory note for the principal amount of $2.8 million to Rudy V. Renda, its Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer - Strategy and Special Projects and a manager on its board of managers (the “2016 Rudy Renda Note”). The 2016 Rudy Renda Note was issued by Southland LLC in connection with Southland LLC’s acquisition of Mr. Renda’s ownership interests in Oscar Renda Contracting, Inc., and it is secured by a security interest in such ownership interests. The 2016 Rudy Renda Note bears interest at a rate of 1.29% per annum, which is due and payable annually as it accrues. There are no installment payments of principal due under the 2016 Rudy Renda Note prior to maturity, and the unpaid principal thereunder, together with outstanding accrued interest, shall become due and payable on December 31, 2025. Southland LLC has not made any payments of principal under the 2016 Rudy Renda Note. As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the 2016 Rudy Renda Note was $2.8 million, and the aggregate outstanding accrued interest thereunder was $0.3 million. Mr. Renda now serves as Co-Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of the Company following the consummation of the Business Combination. Mr. Renda is also the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company following the consummation of the Business Combination.

17

​

Table of Contents

On November 30, 2018, Southland LLC issued an unsecured promissory note for the principal amount of $1.2 million to Rudy V. Renda, its Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer - Strategy and Special Projects and a manager on its board of managers (the “2018 Rudy Renda Note”). The 2018 Rudy Renda Note bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the long-term applicable federal rate with a monthly compounding period, as published by the Internal Revenue Service from time to time, or, if greater, the minimum rate of interest necessary under applicable law to avoid the existence of a taxable benefit to Mr. Renda in respect of the amount of interest payable thereunder. Interest under the 2018 Rudy Renda Note is due and payable annually on December 31st of each year as it accrues. There are no installment payments of principal due under the 2018 Rudy Renda Note prior to maturity, and the unpaid principal thereunder, together with outstanding accrued interest, shall become due and payable on November 30, 2023. Southland LLC has not made any payments of principal under the 2018 Rudy Renda Note. As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the 2018 Rudy Renda Note was $1.2 million, and the aggregate outstanding accrued interest thereunder was $0.2 million. Mr. Renda now serves as Co-Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of the Company following the consummation of the Business Combination. Mr. Renda is also the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company following the consummation of the Business Combination.

On March 22, 2019, Southland LLC loaned the principal amount of $2.1 million to Tim Winn, its Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer and a manager on its board of managers (the “Winn Loan”). The Winn Loan was not documented via a written loan agreement or promissory note and did not bear any interest. The Winn Loan was scheduled to become due and payable on March 22, 2029; however, Mr. Winn repaid the Winn Loan in full prior to the consummation of the Business Combination. Mr. Winn now serves as Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer and as a director of the Company following the consummation of the Business Combination. Mr. Winn is also the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company following the consummation of the Business Combination.

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

Merger Consideration Notes

On February 14, 2023(the “Closing Date”), in addition to the Merger Consideration Common Shares and in lieu of the Cash Consideration (as defined in the Merger Agreement), the Company issued unsecured promissory notes (the “Merger Consideration Notes”) to the Southland Members in exchange for the Southland Membership Interests. The Merger Consideration Notes were for an aggregate principal amount of $50,000,000, with each Southland Member’s Merger Consideration Note being for a principal amount equal to (a) $50,000,000 multiplied by (b) such Southland Member’s percentage of all Southland Membership Interests issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time on the Closing Date. The Merger Consideration Notes bear interest at a rate of seven percent per annum. There are no installment payments of principal or accrued interest due under the Merger Consideration Notes prior to maturity, and the unpaid principal thereunder, together with outstanding accrued interest, shall become due and payable on February 14, 2028.

Accrued Distributions to Southland Members

Prior to the Business Combination, the Company accrued distributions from the partnership to its former owners that were not paid out in cash. As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate amount outstanding to Southland Members was $3.5 million.

Underwriter Notes

As previously disclosed, the Company was obligated to pay an aggregate of $9,660,000 in deferred underwriting commissions (the “Commissions”) to EBC, D.A. Davidson & Co. (“D.A. Davidson”), Thompson Davis & Co., Inc. (“Thompson Davis”) and Crag-Hallum Capital Group LLC (“Crag-Hallum” and together with EBC, D.A. Davidson and Thompson Davis, the “Underwriters”) upon the consummation of the Transactions. On the Closing Date, the Company paid the Commissions to the Underwriters via a combination of cash and promissory notes issued in favor of the Underwriters (the “Underwriter Notes”). The Underwriter Notes are for the aggregate principal amount of $4,831,100, with (a) EBC’s Underwriter Note being for a principal amount of $3,311,100, (b) D.A. Davidson’s Underwriter Note being for a principal amount of $500,000, (c) Thompson Davis’s Note being for a principal amount of $500,000 and (d) Crag-Hallum’s Underwriter Note being for a principal amount of $500,000. The Underwriter Notes bear interest at a rate of eight percent per annum. There are no installment payments of principal or accrued interest due under the Underwriter Notes prior to maturity, and the unpaid principal thereunder, together with outstanding accrued interest, shall become due and payable on April 14, 2024, as extended; provided, however, that the Company agreed to make mandatory prepayments on the Underwriter Notes from to time to time in amounts equal to fifteen percent of the gross proceeds received by the Company from any equity lines, forward purchase agreements or other equity financing consummated by the Company prior to the maturity date.

18

​

Table of Contents

Policies and Procedures for the Company’s Related Party Transactions

The Company’s Code of Business Conduct requires the Company to avoid, wherever possible, all related party transactions that could result in actual or potential conflicts of interests, except under guidelines approved by the Board (or the Audit Committee). Related-party transactions are defined as transactions in which (1) the aggregate amount involved will or may be expected to exceed $120,000 in any calendar year, (2) the Company or any subsidiary is a participant, and (3) any (a) executive officer, director or nominee for election as a director, (b) greater than 5% beneficial owner of shares of common stock, or (c) immediate family member, of the persons referred to in clauses (a) and (b), has or will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than solely as a result of being a director or a less than 10% beneficial owner of another entity). A conflict-of-interest situation can arise when a person takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her work objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest may also arise if a person, or a member of his or her family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position.

The Company also requires each director and executive officer to annually complete a directors’ and officers’ questionnaire that elicits information about related party transactions.

The Audit Committee, pursuant to its written charter, is responsible for reviewing and approving related-party transactions to the extent the Company enters into such transactions. All ongoing and future transactions between the Company and any officer or director or their respective affiliates will be on terms believed by the Company to be no less favorable to the Company than are available from unaffiliated third parties. Such transactions will require prior approval by the Audit Committee and a majority of the Company’s uninterested “independent” directors, or the members of the Board who do not have an interest in the transaction, in either case who had access, at the Company’s expense, to the Company’s attorneys or independent legal counsel. The Company will not enter into any such transaction unless the Audit Committee and a majority of the disinterested “independent” directors determine that the terms of such transaction are no less favorable to the Company than those that would be available with respect to such a transaction from unaffiliated third parties.

These procedures are intended to determine whether any such related party transaction impairs the independence of a director or presents a conflict of interest on the part of a director, employee or officer.

​

​

19

​

Table of Contents

VOTING INFORMATION

Who Can Vote?

You will have received notice of the Annual Meeting and can vote if you were a stockholder of record of Southland’s common stock as of the close of business on March 19, 2024. You are entitled to one vote for each share of Southland common stock that you own. You may vote all shares owned by you as of the record date, including shares held directly in your name as the stockholder of record and shares held for you as the beneficial owner through a broker, trust, bank or other nominee. As of the close of business on March 19, 2024, there were 47,943,861 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

How Do I Vote and What Is the Deadline for Voting My Shares?

Stockholders can vote online during the Annual Meeting by following the instructions provided on the meeting website during the Annual Meeting or can vote by proxy in the following three ways:

Please refer to the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or the information your broker, trust, bank or other nominee provides you for more information on the above options. If you vote your shares over the Internet or by telephone, you should not return a proxy card by mail (unless you are revoking your previous proxy).

What Is the Voting Requirement To Approve the Proposals?

If there is a quorum:

What Is a Broker Non-Vote?

If you hold shares through a broker, trust, bank or other nominee (i.e., in “street name”), and you do not provide your broker, trust, bank or other nominee with voting instructions, “broker non-votes” may occur. Generally, a broker non-vote occurs when a broker, trust, bank or other nominee who holds shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a “non-routine” matter because the broker, trust, bank or other nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that matter and has not received instructions on such matter from the beneficial owner. A broker, trust, bank or other nominee may exercise discretionary voting power with respect to “routine” matters, even if the broker, trust, bank or other nominee has not received instructions on such matter from the beneficial owner. Among our proposals, only proposal two is a “routine” matter. Accordingly, a broker, trust, bank or other nominee will have discretionary voting power only with respect to the proposal to ratify the appointment by the Audit Committee of GT as Southland’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

​

20

​

Table of Contents

How Are Votes Counted?

For all proposals, you may vote “For,” “Against” or “Abstain” with respect to each of the nominees and proposals.

If you elect to abstain in the election of directors, the abstention will not impact the outcome of the vote for the nominee. In tabulating the voting results, only “For” and “Against” votes are counted for purposes of determining whether a majority of votes cast has been obtained. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered to be votes cast affirmatively or negatively and, therefore, will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on any of these matters.

If you elect to abstain in the ratification of the appointment by the Audit Committee of GT as Southland’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, it will have the effect of a vote “Against” the proposal. Abstentions are considered present at the meeting and entitled to vote on this proposal and will therefore have the effect of a negative vote.  Because broker non-votes are not entitled to vote, a broker non-vote would have no impact on the outcome of this proposal. However, this proposal is considered a “routine” matter and we do not anticipate any broker non-votes for this proposal.

If you vote by telephone, the Internet or by returning your proxy card your shares will be voted at the Annual Meeting in the manner you indicated. Frank Renda, Cody Gallarda and Jim Van Horn are officers of the Company and were named by our Board of Directors as proxy holders. They will vote all proxies, or record an abstention, in accordance with the directions on the proxy. If no contrary direction is given, the shares will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors.

This proxy statement contains a description of each item that you are to vote on along with our Board’s recommendations. Below is a summary of our Board’s recommendations:

As to any other matter that may be properly proposed at the Annual Meeting the shares will be voted in the discretion of the persons named on your proxy card.

After I Vote by Proxy Can I Change or Revoke My Proxy?

You can change your vote or revoke your proxy at any time before the Annual Meeting. Stockholders may change their vote by: (i) voting again by Internet at any time prior to 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on, May 14, 2024, if you originally voted by Internet, (ii) voting again by telephone at any time prior to 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 14, 2024, if you originally voted by telephone, or (iii) returning a later dated proxy card such that it is received prior to 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 14, 2024, if you voted by mail. Stockholders may also revoke their proxy by filing with our Secretary a written revocation that is received by us before the polls close at the Annual Meeting. Stockholders may also change their vote or revoke their proxy by attending the Annual Meeting and voting virtually if they are a stockholder of record.

If you hold your shares through a broker, bank, trust or other nominee, please refer to the information forwarded by your broker, bank, trust or other nominee for procedures on revoking your proxy.

Can I Vote at the Annual Meeting Instead of Voting by Proxy?

You may attend the Annual Meeting and vote virtually instead of voting by proxy. However, even if you intend to attend the meeting, we strongly encourage you to vote by Internet, telephone or mail prior to the meeting to ensure that your shares are voted.

What Constitutes a Quorum?

Southland’s bylaws require a quorum to be present in order to transact business at the meeting. A quorum consists of a majority of the shares entitled to vote, either in person or represented by proxy. In determining a quorum, we count shares voted for or against, abstentions and broker non-votes as being present.

​

21

​

Table of Contents

PARTICIPATING IN THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

​

This year’s Annual Meeting will be held exclusively in a virtual format through a live audio webcast. You are entitled to participate in the Annual Meeting if you were a stockholder as of the close of business on March 19, 2024, the record date, or hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting. To be admitted to the Annual Meeting at http://virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SLND2024, you must enter the 16-digit control number found next to the label “Control Number” on your Notice of Internet Availability, proxy card, or voting instruction form. If you are a beneficial stockholder, you may contact the bank, broker or other institution where you hold your shares if you have questions about obtaining your control number. Whether or not you participate in the Annual Meeting, it is important that your shares be part of the voting process.

We encourage you to access the Annual Meeting before it begins. Online check-in will start at approximately 9:15am Central Standard Time on May 15, 2024. If you encounter any difficulties accessing the Annual Meeting during the check-in or meeting time, please call the technical support number that will be posted on the Annual Meeting log-in page.

If you have questions you would like to ask at the Annual Meeting, you will have the opportunity submit questions during the Annual Meeting by logging into the online meeting platform at http://virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SLND2024, type your question into the “Ask a Question” field, and click “Submit.” Only stockholders with a valid control number will be allowed to ask questions. We will endeavor to answer as many questions submitted by stockholders as time permits. We reserve the right to edit profanity or other inappropriate language and to exclude questions regarding topics that are not pertinent to the proposals under consideration or otherwise don’t comply with our meeting procedures. If we receive substantially similar questions, we may group such questions together and provide a single response to avoid repetition. If there are appropriate questions pertinent to the proposals under consideration that cannot be answered during the Annual Meeting due to time constraints, management will post answers to a representative set of such questions on our website at www.southlandholdings.com at the “Investors” site. The questions and answers will be available as soon as practicable after the Annual Meeting.

In the event of technical difficulties with the Annual Meeting, we expect that an announcement will be made on http://virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SLND2024. If necessary, the announcement will provide updated information regarding the date, time, and location of the Annual Meeting. Any updated information regarding the Annual Meeting will also be posted on the investors page of our website at www.southlandholdings.com.

​

22

​

Table of Contents

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE 2025 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Director nominations and proposals for other business to be presented at the annual stockholder meeting by a stockholder may be made only if that stockholder is entitled to vote at the meeting, timely gave the required notice, and was a stockholder of record at the time when he or she gave the required notice. The required notice must be in writing, must be received at our principal executive offices at Southland Holdings, Inc., 1100 Kubota Drive, Grapevine, Texas 76501 and addressed to the Corporate Secretary.

Additionally, you may submit proposals on matters appropriate for stockholder action at our annual meeting of stockholders in accordance with Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Exchange Act (“Rule 14a-8”). Rule 14a-8 entitles a stockholder to require us to include certain stockholder proposals in Southland’s proxy materials if the stockholder meets certain eligibility and timing requirements set forth in Rule 14a-8.

Pursuant to Rule 14a-8, to be considered for inclusion in Southland’s proxy statement or otherwise presented at our 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, a stockholder proposal must be received by our Secretary at Southland’s principal executive offices on or before Monday December 4, 2024.

Section 2.13 of our Amended and Restated Bylaws allow eligible stockholders to nominate a candidate for election to our Board for inclusion in our proxy materials provided that timely written notice is delivered to the Company on behalf of a stockholder or stockholders that satisfy the requirements set forth in Section 2.13 of our Amended and Restated Bylaws. To be timely, notice must be delivered to our principal executive offices at Southland Holdings, Inc., 1100 Kubota Drive, Grapevine, Texas 76501 and addressed to the Corporate Secretary no earlier than December 16, 2024 and no later than January 15, 2025. Any such notice must also comply with the timing, disclosure, procedural and other requirements as set forth in Section 2.13 of our Amended and Restated Bylaws.

To comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than Southland’s nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act no later than March 17, 2025.

​

HOUSEHOLDING

As permitted by the Exchange Act, only one copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or proxy materials is being delivered to stockholders residing at the same address, unless any stockholder has notified us of its desire to receive multiple copies of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or proxy materials, as applicable. This is known as householding. We will promptly deliver, upon oral or written request, a separate copy of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or the proxy materials, as applicable, to any stockholder residing at a shared address to which only one copy was mailed. Requests for additional copies of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or proxy materials, or requests to receive multiple or single copies of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or proxy materials at a shared address in the future, should be directed to: Southland Holdings, Inc., 1100 Kubota Drive, Grapevine, Texas 76501, Attention: Investor Relations Department, Telephone: (817) 293-4263.

​

FORM 10-K

Copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (excluding exhibits) filed with the SEC are available, without charge, upon written request to Southland Holdings, Inc., 1100 Kubota Drive, Grapevine, Texas 76501, Attention: Investor Relations Department. Exhibits to the Annual Report on Form 10-K will be furnished upon payment of a fee of $0.25 per page to cover our expenses in furnishing the exhibits.

​

23

​

Table of Contents

OTHER MATTERS

As of the date of this proxy statement, the only matters that management intends to present or knows that others will present at the meeting have been included in this proxy statement. If any other matters are properly presented at the meeting, or any adjournment, your shares will be voted in the discretion of the persons named on your proxy card.

Dated: April 3, 2024

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

24

​

Table of Contents

​

​

​

Table of Contents

​

​