Company: FRME
Filing Date: 2025-04-01
Form Type: DEF 14A
Source: 0000712534-25-000077
Chunk: 18

Company: FIRST MERCHANTS CORP
Filing Date: 2025-04-01
Form: DEF 14A
Chunk 18
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 of these initiatives are discussed in the Company's Amended and Restated Community Benefits Agreement. The Corporate Responsibility Report - Elevating Communities and Community Benefits Agreement are located at firstmerchants.com/community .

The Company adopted an Environmental Policy in 2023 with a goal to minimize the negative impacts of our operations on the environment. The Company's digital optimization project will conserve resources and reduce reliance on and use of paper.

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K further describes our Human Capital Resources, including an overview of our work culture, performance culture, employee engagement, training focus and employee resource groups.

Many of the Company’s governance-related initiatives are discussed in this Proxy Statement, including cyber-security program, executive compensation oversight, Code of Conduct, Ethics & Integrity Policy and anonymous reporting of financial fraud.

Questions regarding the Company’s ESG Program and Initiatives may be directed to First Merchants Corporation, Attn: Investor Relations Department, 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, IN 47305-2814.

#### V.

#### BOARD COMMITTEES

#### THE STANDING

#### COMMITTEES
17 First Merchants Corporation 2025 Proxy Statement

FMC’s Bylaws give the Board the authority, at its discretion, to constitute and appoint committees from among its members to assist in the management and control of the affairs of the Company, including the following standing committees of the Board: the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Risk and Credit Policy Committee, and the Compensation and Human Resources Committee (the “ Committees ”). Each of these Committees has a charter that is published on FMC’S website, at https://ir.firstmerchants.com , under Corporate Information/Governance Documents .

The Committees’ rules, protocols and procedures for calling and holding meetings are set forth in FMC’s Bylaws or the Committees’ charters, or they are determined from time to time by the Board or the respective Committees. All of the Committees meet in executive session without any member of management present during a portion of their regular meetings.

Additional information concerning the membership, responsibilities and meetings held in 2024 by each of the Committees follows.

#### THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee is comprised of Mr. Becher (Chair), Mr. Kellogg, Mr. Sondhi, and Ms. Wojtowicz. The Committee met seven (7) times during 2024. The Board has determined that all of the Committee members are independent directors under the definition in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(a)(2)