UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

□  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

□  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

□  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act

       (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

□  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act

      (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 5.02.  Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

On September 17, 2015, William J. Avery notified the Board of Directors (the "Board") of Lincoln National Corporation (the "Company") that he has decided to retire from the Board effective as of December 31, 2015.  Mr. Avery's decision is part of his retirement planning and not due to any disagreement with the Company or the Board on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices.

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION

 

By        /s/ Randal J. Freitag

Name:  Randal J. Freitag

Title:    Executive Vice President and

 

Date:  September 21, 2015