First Merchants Corporation has elected Kevin D. Johnson and Jason R. Sondhi to the Boards of Directors of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank. Johnson has focused on job creation, capital investment and small business growth for the City of Detroit since 2018. Sondhi, Founder and President of Sondhi Solutions, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, oversees the strategy of his IT staffing and consulting company serving small to mid-sized enterprise businesses and governmental agencies.

Most recently, Johnson was integral in bringing Fiat Chrysler's $4.5 billion investment to Detroit, as well as thousands of Fiat Chrysler Automobile and supplier jobs. A veteran of the industry, Johnson has served in both public and private economic-development positions throughout the U.S., including roles in Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia. In his most previous role at Invest Atlanta, Johnson led the economic development program for the city, helping to create jobs and generating billions of dollars in new capital investment.

Both new directors bring a wealth of experience to the Board. Johnson was named one of the Top 50 Economic Developers of 2019 by Consultant Connect, a consulting agency designed to bridge the gap between economic developers and site consultants. He also serves as a member of the International Economic Development Council.

Sondhi is a member of the Board of Directors of Weaver Popcorn Company and the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America Crossroads of America Council. He received the Indianapolis Business Journal's "Fast 25" award as a fastest- growing company in 2015 and 2016 and "Forty Under 40" recognition in 2017. With the addition of Mr. Johnson and Mr. Sondhi, First Merchants will have a 14-member board, including 12 independent outside directors.

Both Mr. Johnson and Mr. Sondhi will be on the ballot for continuing terms at the Corporation's Annual Shareholder Meeting in May 2023.