First Merchants Appoints Former First Savings CEO to Board

Larry Myers joins the board after First Merchants' merger with First Savings Bank expanded its presence in southern Indiana.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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First Merchants Corporation, a $21.4 billion financial holding company, has appointed Larry Myers 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.

Why it matters

The appointment of Larry Myers, a seasoned community bank executive, to the First Merchants board is seen as an important addition that will enhance the company's strategic and governance capabilities, particularly in the southern Indiana market where the recent merger has expanded its footprint.

The details

First Merchants Corporation announced that Larry Myers has been appointed to the Boards of Directors of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank. Myers is transitioning from his role as President and CEO 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.

  • First Merchants and First Savings Bank completed their merger on February 1, 2026.
  • Larry Myers announced plans to transition from his role as President and CEO of First Savings Bank and First Savings Financial Group, Inc.

The players

First Merchants Corporation

A $21.4 billion financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana.

First Merchants Bank

The full-service bank charter of First Merchants Corporation, which also operates as First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors and First Savings Bank (as divisions of First Merchants Bank).

Larry Myers

The former President and Chief Executive Officer of First Savings Bank and First Savings Financial Group, Inc., who has been appointed to the Boards of Directors of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Myers brings extensive banking experience and a proven leadership record that will enhance our Boards' strategic and governance capabilities. 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.”

— Jean Wojtowicz, Board Chair (stocktitan.net)

“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.”

— Mark K. Hardwick, Chief Executive Officer (stocktitan.net)

“I am honored to join the First Merchants Boards at such an important time for the organization. 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.”

— Larry Myers (stocktitan.net)

What’s next

The merger between First Merchants and First Savings Bank was completed on February 1, 2026, and Larry Myers' appointment to the First Merchants board is expected to provide valuable insights and support the company's growth strategy in southern Indiana.

The takeaway

The addition of Larry Myers, a seasoned community bank executive with deep knowledge of the southern Indiana market, to the First Merchants board is seen as a strategic move that will enhance the company's governance and support its continued focus on disciplined growth and shareholder value creation following the recent merger with First Savings Bank.