Fulton Financial Announces HR Leadership Transition as Bernadette Taylor Retires, Karen Grafje Promoted

Fulton Financial's Transition in Human Resources Leadership

Fulton Financial Corporation announces the retirement of Chief Human Resources Officer Bernadette Taylor, effective June 5, 2026. As a longstanding member of the Fulton team since 1994, Taylor has profoundly influenced the company’s culture and approach to talent acquisition during her tenure. Fulton's Chairman, CEO, and President, Curt Myers, commends her commitment to creating a workplace environment that empowers employees and enhances service to customers and communities. Taylor's leadership as Chief HR Officer since 2015 has been marked by strategic initiatives fostering employee engagement and a strong organizational ethos.

With Taylor's impending retirement, Fulton Financial prepares for a significant leadership transition by promoting Karen Grafje from her position as Director of Total Rewards and HR Solutions to Chief Human Resources Officer. Grafje, who has been part of the organization for three years, brings a wealth of over 25 years of human resources experience and holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She is also certified in several HR disciplines, assuring a smooth transition in leadership. This succession not only emphasizes Fulton's commitment to internal talent development but also indicates a focused effort to build upon the existing HR strategies that have proven successful under Taylor’s guidance.

In her farewell remarks, Taylor expresses gratitude for her time at Fulton and conveys her confidence in Grafje's capabilities. She anticipates that Grafje will continue to prioritize employee experience and further strengthen the initiatives designed to attract top talent. This change comes at a strategic time for Fulton Financial as the company strives to maintain its competitive edge in the evolving financial services landscape, underscoring their dedication to a robust workplace culture.

In addition to the leadership shift, Fulton Financial's proactive approach to human resources reflects broader trends within the financial sector, where organizations increasingly recognize the importance of employee engagement and retention. As the industry moves forward, Fulton's focus on empowering its workforce positions the company to navigate challenges while serving its diverse clientele effectively. This development illustrates Fulton's commitment to fostering a vibrant internal environment that aligns with its missions and goals.