First Merchants Corporation Appoints Larry Myers to Its Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ:FRME) appointed Larry Myers to the Boards of Directors of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank on Feb. 9, 2026. Myers brings nearly 20 years as CEO of First Savings Bank and leadership roles in banking associations.

The release notes the completed merger of First Savings with First Merchants on Feb. 1, 2026, expanding First Merchants’ presence in southern Indiana. Myers’ background includes service on the Federal Home Loan Bank board and leadership in state and national bankers associations.

Positive

• Company assets of $21.4 billion provide scale and capital flexibility
• Merger completed Feb. 1, 2026 strengthens presence in southern Indiana
• Board addition of Larry Myers brings community banking and regional market expertise
• Myers’ Federal Home Loan Bank board experience adds regulatory-facing governance perspective

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

-0.73%

1 alert

-0.73% News Effect

On the day this news was published, FRME declined 0.73%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

MUNCIE, Ind., Feb. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Merchants Corporation, a $21.4 billion financial holding company, announced that Larry Myers has been appointed to the Boards of Directors of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank. Myers recently announced plans to transition from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of First Savings Bank and First Savings Financial Group, Inc., positions he has held for nearly 20 years. The two organizations completed their merger on February 1, 2026, further strengthening First Merchants’ presence in southern Indiana.

“Mr. Myers brings extensive banking experience and a proven leadership record that will enhance our Boards’ strategic and governance capabilities,” said Jean Wojtowicz, Board Chair. “His deep knowledge of the southern Indiana market aligns well with our long-term growth priorities and will support our continued focus on creating shareholder value.”

Chief Executive Officer Mark K. Hardwick added, “Larry’s perspective as a seasoned community bank executive will be an important addition to our boardroom. His insights will support disciplined growth, operational execution, and our commitment to delivering strong financial performance. We are pleased that southern Indiana will continue to have a significant voice as part of our expanded footprint.”

During Myers’ tenure at First Savings, he served as Chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association and on the board of the American Bankers Association. He earned both his Bachelor of Science and MBA from the University of Kentucky and joined the Federal Home Loan Bank Board of Directors in 2018. Myers’ career includes decades of experience in community banking, credit management, and regional economic development.

“I am honored to join the First Merchants Boards at such an important time for the organization,” said Myers.  The merger underscores a strong alignment in culture, strategy, and customer focus.  First Merchants has demonstrated a disciplined performance trajectory and a clear growth strategy, and I look forward to contributing my expertise as the company continues to build long-term value for shareholders.”

About First Merchants Corporation:
First Merchants Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana. The Corporation has one full-service bank charter, First Merchants Bank. The Bank also operates as First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors and First Savings Bank (as divisions of First Merchants Bank). First Merchants Corporation’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market System under the symbol FRME. Quotations are carried in daily newspapers and can be found on the company’s website (www.firstmerchants.com). FIRST MERCHANTS and the Shield Logo are federally registered trademarks of First Merchants Corporation.

For more information, contact:
Nicole Weaver, First Vice President/Director of Corporate Administration
765-521-7619
http://www.firstmerchants.com/

FAQ

Who is Larry Myers and why was he appointed to the First Merchants (FRME) board on Feb. 9, 2026?

Larry Myers is a long-tenured community bank CEO with nearly 20 years leading First Savings Bank. According to First Merchants, his regional banking, credit management, and industry association experience will support the bank’s governance and southern Indiana strategy.

How does the Feb. 1, 2026 merger affect First Merchants’ (FRME) footprint in southern Indiana?

The merger expands First Merchants’ presence in southern Indiana through the integration of First Savings Bank. According to First Merchants, the completed transaction strengthens local market coverage and ensures continued regional representation on the board.

What relevant industry roles has Larry Myers held before joining First Merchants’ (FRME) board?

Myers served as President and CEO of First Savings and chaired the Indiana Bankers Association. According to First Merchants, he also served on the American Bankers Association board and joined the Federal Home Loan Bank board in 2018.

What strategic benefits does First Merchants (FRME) cite for adding Myers to its board?

First Merchants says Myers will enhance strategic governance with community-bank perspective and disciplined growth oversight. According to First Merchants, his local-market knowledge aligns with the company’s long-term growth and shareholder-value priorities.

Does the announcement disclose any changes to First Merchants’ (FRME) financial guidance or executive management?

No financial guidance or executive-management changes were disclosed in the appointment announcement. According to First Merchants, the release focuses on board composition and the strategic fit following the Feb. 1, 2026 merger.