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

First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ:FRME) has announced the promotion of John J. Martin to the role of Chief Credit Officer. Mr. Martin joined First Merchants on December 31, 2007, after spending 18 years with a super regional bank with extensive experience in various lending and credit positions. Prior to joining First Merchants, Martin served as the senior credit officer of a successful $4 billion region. Since joining First Merchants, Martin has played a significant role in the redesign and build-out of the Corporation's centralized credit department. The appointment of Martin to the Chief Credit Officer position will accelerate the advancement of the Corporation's centralized credit function and provides enhanced strategic alignment.

Mr. Martin is a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in economics and holds an MBA from Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management. Michael C. Rechin, the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer, stated, "John's experience and background in credit, finance and economics will serve us well as we continue to enhance our credit infrastructure and lending activities."

Additionally, David W. Spade has been named Chief Credit Officer of First Merchants Bank, NA and will continue his focus with east central Indiana clients.