Fulton Financial's Chief HR Officer Bernadette Taylor to Retire in 2026
Fulton Financial Corporation announced that Chief Human Resources Officer Bernadette Taylor will retire from Fulton on June 5, 2026. Following Taylor's retirement, Karen Grafje, currently Director of Total Rewards and HR Solutions, will be promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer. "Bernadette has been instrumental in developing our company culture that sets us apart and helps us attract talented colleagues," said Curt Myers, Fulton's Chairman, CEO and President. "Collaborating with leadership across the company, Bernadette and her team have created a workplace that empowers us to better serve our customers and communities. I wish her all the best in retirement!"
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- Cash Dividend Announcement: Fulton Financial Corporation's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.19 per share, payable on April 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of April 1, 2026, demonstrating the company's commitment to shareholder returns amidst stable profitability.
- Preferred Stock Dividend: Additionally, the Board declared a quarterly dividend of $12.81 per share on its Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, payable on April 15, 2026, reflecting the company's focus on maintaining a stable capital structure and prioritizing preferred shareholders.
- Company Scale and Impact: With a market capitalization exceeding $32 billion, Fulton operates over 200 financial centers across five states, employing more than 3,300 individuals, which underscores its significant presence and influence in the regional financial market.
- Investor Relations Information: The company has provided contact information for investor relations, enhancing communication with investors and indicating its commitment to transparency and shareholder value.
- Cash Dividend Announcement: Fulton Financial Corporation's Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.19 per share, payable on April 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of April 1, 2026, demonstrating the company's ongoing profitability and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Preferred Stock Dividend: Additionally, the Board announced a quarterly dividend of $12.81 per share on its Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, payable on April 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2026, reflecting the company's prioritization of preferred shareholders.
- Company Scale and Operations: Fulton Financial Corporation, with a market capitalization exceeding $32 billion, employs over 3,300 individuals and operates more than 200 financial centers across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, showcasing its significant regional market presence.
- Investor Information: The company provided investor contact details, indicating its commitment to transparency and shareholder communication, which further enhances market confidence in its financial health.
- Executive Retirement: Fulton Financial Corporation announced that Chief Human Resources Officer Bernadette Taylor will retire on June 5, 2026, after joining the company in 1994, where she has been instrumental in developing a company culture that attracts top talent and enhances competitive positioning.
- Successor Appointment: Karen Grafje, currently the Director of Total Rewards and HR Solutions, will be promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer, and with over 25 years of HR experience, her leadership is expected to continue enhancing employee experience and ensuring future company success.
- Leadership Praise: Chairman and CEO Curt Myers praised Taylor's contributions to shaping the company culture, emphasizing her collaboration with leadership to better serve customers and communities, reflecting the company's commitment to effective human resource management.
- Company Background: Fulton Financial Corporation is a $32 billion financial holding company with over 3,300 employees operating 200 financial centers across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Virginia, showcasing its strong influence in the regional financial services market.
- Executive Retirement: Fulton Financial Corporation announced that Chief Human Resources Officer Bernadette Taylor will retire on June 5, 2026, marking a significant leadership change that may impact employee morale and the continuity of company culture.
- Successor Appointment: Current Director of Total Rewards and HR Solutions Karen Grafje will be promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer, bringing over 25 years of HR experience, and is expected to continue enhancing the employee experience, ensuring the company's competitiveness in talent acquisition.
- Leadership Praise: Chairman and CEO Curt Myers praised Taylor's contributions to shaping the company culture, emphasizing her leadership in attracting top talent, which reflects the company's commitment to effective human resource management.
- Company Overview: Fulton Financial Corporation is a financial holding company with $32 billion in assets, employing over 3,300 people and operating 200 financial centers across five states, demonstrating its strong influence in the regional financial services market.
- Regulatory Approval Secured: Fulton Financial Corporation and Blue Foundry Bancorp have received necessary regulatory approvals from the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for their all-stock transaction, marking a significant milestone towards completion expected around April 1, 2026, thereby strengthening Fulton's market position in New Jersey.
- Strong Shareholder Support: Blue Foundry's shareholders approved the transaction on January 29, 2026, reflecting robust backing for the merger, which will help Fulton expand its customer base and enhance service capabilities.
- Strategic Integration Plans: The transaction is set to not only increase Fulton's asset size to approximately $32 billion but also enhance customer experience and market competitiveness through the integration of Blue Foundry's innovative services.
- Positive Future Outlook: Fulton's CEO stated that the merger will deepen the impact of both organizations, drive community development, and is expected to positively influence future financial performance, particularly in expanding operations in New Jersey.

Regulatory Approval: Fulton Financial Corporation and Blue Foundry Bancorp have received regulatory approvals for their merger.
Anticipated Closing Date: The merger is expected to close on a specified date, marking a significant step in the consolidation of the two financial institutions.






