MUNCIE, IN—First Merchants Bank (Nasdaq: FRME) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Knipp as its new Director of Small Business Banking. Knipp, who joined First Merchants on April 14, 2025, has over 30 years of extensive experience working with business owners.

In this newly created role, Knipp will be responsible for providing a differentiated experience for First Merchants’ small business clients and prospects. This strategic segmentation will enable FMB to deliver on its brand promise of being attentive to small businesses and their communities, thereby helping them prosper.

“We are thrilled to have Kevin join the team,” said Carrie Valek, President of First Merchants Consumer Bank. “His deep understanding of the small business landscape and his proven track record of building strong client relationships will be instrumental in transforming the small business banking experience.”

Knipp's responsibilities will include working with clients to provide comprehensive solutions across various critical areas, including:

• Lending solutions to help capitalize businesses properly.
• Treasury solutions to improve cash flow efficiency.
• Risk management solutions to protect assets.
• Business transition solutions to manage growth and succession.

Before joining First Merchants, Knipp spent 16 years at Fifth Third Bank, where he dedicated his tenure to business banking in Indiana. For 11 of those years, he successfully led a high-performing team of relationship managers. Prior to that, Knipp worked at Chrysler Financial for 18 years, also focusing on business owners.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been dedicated to understanding the unique challenges and opportunities that business owners face,” says Kevin Knipp. “My approach is rooted in active, engaged listening—asking the right questions so I can offer meaningful insights and tailored solutions.”

With over 30 years of experience working directly with privately held businesses, Knipp brings deep expertise across every stage of the business lifecycle—from startup and growth to transition. He is passionate about serving small business clients with care and precision, helping them achieve their goals and strengthen the economic fabric of their communities.

“I’m excited to support small businesses in partnership with First Merchants,” Knipp adds. “What drew me to the bank is its distinctive culture. Their commitment starts with the communities they serve and extends to the businesses, their employees, and their families. I’ve been genuinely impressed by the leadership’s authenticity and the caliber of the teams who serve our clients every day.”

Knipp holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Missouri and an MBA in Management from Webster University. He attributes his ability to serve FMB and its customers best to his over 30 years of experience in helping business owners meet their goals and improve efficiency. He believes that meeting a client where they are in their business life cycle and understanding their aspirations is the foundation for providing valuable consultation.

Outside of work, Knipp enjoys an active lifestyle with his wife, Stephanie, whom he has been married to for over 31 years. They are proud parents of two sons, Conner and Austin, who are both pursuing their careers and education at Purdue University. The couple enjoys traveling, especially to warm destinations during Indiana winters, and engaging in outdoor activities such as biking, boating, and kayaking. He is an avid reader, preferring non-fiction books for learning and fiction for relaxation.

Knipp and his wife are active members of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish, where they support the Merciful HELP Center, which assists people in Hamilton County with food and basic life necessities. Additionally, Knipp serves on two non-profit boards dedicated to increasing access to capital for small businesses in Indiana.

First Merchants, recognized as one of Forbes World’s Best Banks, Forbes America’s Best Banks, American Banker Best Banks to Work For, and Time Magazine America’s Best Companies, is dedicated to providing attentive and knowledgeable financial solutions to the diverse communities it serves. First Merchants continues to grow and expand across Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio as a desirable workplace. To learn more, visit FirstMerchants.com.

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About First Merchants Corporation 

With $18.4 billion in assets¹, First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME) is a registered bank holding company offering a full line of commercial and consumer banking services and wealth management services through First Merchants Bank and First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. With more than 130 years of enhancing the financial wellness of the diverse communities it serves, First Merchants makes meaningful contributions through Employee Empowerment, Philanthropy and Charitable Giving, Financial Wellness, Community Home and Business Lending, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The company has been honored for its attentive and knowledgeable service and culture by Forbes, Newsweek, American Banker, Comparably, and S&P Global Intelligence “Best Banks” awards. First Merchants Bank attributes this recognition to a mission-driven team that is passionate about “helping you prosper” through attentiveness as its genuine and unique approach to customer service. To see how First Merchants Bank is making a difference, go to https://www.firstmerchants.com/.