Company: FRME
Filing Date: 2025-04-01
Form Type: DEF 14A
Source: 0000712534-25-000077
Chunk: 11

Company: FIRST MERCHANTS CORP
Filing Date: 2025-04-01
Form: DEF 14A
Chunk 11
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 of Christian Athletes, Ronald McDonald House Charities, The Ohio State University, and United Way.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |

7 First Merchants Corporation 2025 Proxy Statement

| Michael C. Rechin                
 age 66                           
 Director since 2005              |     | Mr. Rechin is the former President and CEO of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, First Merchants Bank. He joined FMC in 2005, as its Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and he led the Company from 2007 until his retirement on December 31, 2020. Before joining FMC, Mr. Rechin held senior management positions with National City Bank (“National City”) for 23 years. Mr. Rechin was the manager of National City’s Indiana Commercial Banking operations from 1995 until 2005.  Mr. Rechin currently serves on the Board of Advisors of the Sheehan Family Foundation and the Board of Directors of the Hageman Group.    He previously served on the Boards of the Conner Prairie Museum and The Center for the Performing Arts.  He is currently the Vice Chair of the Company. |
|:---------------------------------|:----|:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Mr. Rechin’s specific experience 
 and qualifications to serve as a 
 director                         |     | As the Company’s former President and CEO, Mr. Rechin is an essential member of the Board.  In addition to his leadership, strategic and management skills, Mr. Rechin’s broad knowledge of the banking and financial services industry acquired during his nearly 35 years of service in executive and senior management positions in that industry serves the Company well. Mr. Rechin resides in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, one of FMC’s high-growth markets.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |

8 First Merchants Corporation 2025 Proxy Statement

#### DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS ARE NOT EXPIRING
The terms of the following directors are not expiring as of the 2025 Annual Meeting. They will continue to serve as directors for the remainder of their terms or until otherwise provided in the Company’s Bylaws.

| Class II (Terms expire 2026)             |     |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| Susan W. Brooksage 64Director since 2021 |     | Ms. Brooks is an accomplished former Congresswoman and former U.S. Attorney who has driven key legislation to reform emergency response, healthcare, manufacturing, technology innovation, higher education