CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER BERNADETTE TAYLOR TO RETIRE FROM FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION

Fulton Financial Corporation announced that Chief Human Resources Officer Bernadette Taylor will retire on June 5, 2026, after a long and influential tenure with the company. Taylor joined Fulton in 1994 as the Corporate Training Director and steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Chief HR Officer in 2015. Under her leadership, Taylor has been pivotal in shaping the company culture, thereby enhancing its ability to attract and retain talented professionals.

Curt Myers, Fulton’s Chairman, CEO, and President, commended Taylor’s contributions, stating that her efforts have created a workplace that empowers employees to better serve customers and communities. He expressed his best wishes for her retirement and acknowledged the positive impact of her leadership on the organization.

In Taylor’s wake, Karen Grafje will take over as the new Chief Human Resources Officer. Grafje, who has been with Fulton for three years, has over 25 years of experience in human resources. Her academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in industrial and labor relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, she holds several professional certifications, including Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Society for Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

As Grafje steps into her new role, Taylor conveyed her confidence in the Human Resources team continuing to enhance the employee experience. Fulton Financial Corporation operates more than 200 financial centers across five states and employs over 3,300 individuals, making it a significant player in the regional banking industry.

The announcement of Bernadette Taylor's retirement as Chief Human Resources Officer of Fulton Financial Corporation marks a pivotal moment for the company, both in terms of leadership transition and the potential implications for shareholders. As Taylor has been instrumental in defining the corporate culture and enhancing employee engagement, her departure could initially introduce uncertainty among investors and employees alike.

However, the promotion of Karen Grafje, a seasoned HR leader with over 25 years of experience, to the Chief HR position could mitigate concerns. Grafje's background in total rewards and HR solutions suggests a continuity of strategic vision that has been integral to Fulton’s success. Her academic credentials and professional certifications also point to a robust capability in navigating employee needs and aligning them with organizational goals.

Investors should assess how this transition affects Fulton Financial's workplace environment, which has been celebrated for its focus on talent attraction and retention. Continuity in HR leadership often translates into stability in operations, reducing any disruption in employee morale and productivity.

Moreover, we must keep an eye on the broader trends within the financial services industry, particularly regarding employee engagement practices and corporate culture. As the labor market remains competitive, organizations that invest in robust HR strategies are likely to outperform their peers. Fulton’s focus on a positive workplace culture underlines its commitment to long-term operational success.

In conclusion, while the retirement of a key executive can create ripples of uncertainty, the promotion of an experienced successor can instill confidence. Investors should monitor upcoming quarterly results and employee engagement surveys to gauge how this leadership change affects overall performance. Keeping an eye on these metrics will provide clearer insights into the sustainability of Fulton Financial's growth trajectory.