{"url_path":"/sec/frme/8-k/2026-07-02/item-5-02","section_key":"item-5-02","section_title":"Item 5.02 DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS.","topic":"sec","document":{"doc_type":"8-K","doc_date":"2026-07-02","source_url":"https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/0000712534-26-000048-index.html","accession_number":"0000712534-26-000048","cik":"0000712534","ticker":"FRME","issuer_name":"FIRST MERCHANTS CORP","edgar_url":"https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/712534/0000712534-26-000048-index.html","primary_entity_key":"0000712534","primary_entity_name":"FIRST MERCHANTS CORP"},"word_count":209,"has_tables":true,"body_markdown":"ITEM 5.02 DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS.\n\nOn July 1, 2026, Dr. Mung Chiang notified First Merchants Corporation (the “Company”) of his resignation from the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), effective immediately.\n\nDr. Chiang’s resignation is not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices. Rather, Dr. Chiang is stepping down from the Board in connection with a change in his professional responsibilities that will result in his relocation outside the Company’s primary market area, which will limit his ability to continue to serve on the Board.\n\nThe Company thanks Dr. Chiang for his service and contributions to the Board and the Company.\n\nUpon the effectiveness of this resignation, the size of the Company’s Board shall be decreased from thirteen (13) members to twelve (12) members.\n\nExhibit 104Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)\n\nSIGNATURES\n\n \n\nPursuant 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.\n\nFirst Merchants Corporation\n\n(Registrant)\n\nBy: /s/ Michele M. Kawiecki\n\n                        \n\nMichele M. Kawiecki\n\nExecutive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer\n\n(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)\n\nDated: July 2, 2026"}