Muncie, Indiana, United States, October 2025 — First Merchants Corporation has appointed Angela Thomas as Director, HR Operations, Risk and Compliance. In her new role, Thomas will oversee HR operations across the enterprise, ensuring compliance with employment laws, managing HR-related risks, and driving policy governance. She will partner closely with internal teams, including legal and enterprise risk management, to align regulatory requirements with organizational goals.
Thomas has been with First Merchants Corporation for more than nine years, progressing through multiple leadership roles. Most recently, she served as Manager, Human Resources Operations and Compliance, where she managed HR risk frameworks and compliance processes, including leave of absence programs and regulatory adherence. Prior to that, she held the role of Manager, Human Resources Shared Services, where she focused on streamlining HR functions and enhancing employee support.
Her earlier experience at First Merchants includes nearly five years as a Human Resources Generalist, where she provided direct HR consultation to employees and managers, supported mergers and acquisitions, and administered leave of absence programs.
Before joining First Merchants, Thomas spent over a decade with Red Gold, where she advanced from Plant HR Assistant to Corporate HR Compliance and Office Manager. She led corporate HR compliance, served as FMLA Officer, and developed centralized HR policies across multiple facilities.
She began her HR career as a Human Resources Intern, later gaining valuable experience at the distribution and corporate levels, building strong foundations in compliance, policy, and HR operations. Alongside her corporate career, she also worked independently as a consultant with Thirty-One Gifts for nearly nine years, supporting entrepreneurial HR and people-focused initiatives.
About First Merchants Corporation
First Merchants Corporation is the largest financial services holding company in Central Indiana, operating through First Merchants Bank and First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors. Listed on NASDAQ under the symbol FRME, the corporation provides comprehensive financial services across Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan.
The company offers a wide spectrum of solutions, including commercial banking, personal banking, and private wealth advisory services. With a strong local presence, continuity of service, and empowered financial professionals, First Merchants is deeply committed to building strong community relationships and delivering tailored solutions that drive customer success.
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