Ashley Johnson Named President and CEO

PADUCAH, KY — December 12, 2025 — The Board of Directors of Paducah Bank has appointed Ashley Graves Johnson as the Bank’s eighth President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2, 2026. Johnson will also join the Paducah Bank Board of Directors. Her appointment marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead Paducah Bank in its 78-year history.

Johnson currently serves as Chief Banking Officer at Paducah Bank, where she has played a key leadership role in the Bank’s strategic growth and community engagement initiatives. 

“As an internal candidate, Ashley knows our people, our customers, our culture, and the communities we serve,” said Joe Framptom, Chairman of the Board. “She brings more than 20 years of banking experience and has proven herself as a thoughtful, driven, and people-first leader. Her deep understanding of both the western Kentucky and Louisville markets — where Paducah Bank has served for nearly a decade — makes her uniquely prepared to guide our organization into the future.” 

A native of Louisville and graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Murray State University. She began her career with the USDA Kentucky Agricultural Statistics Service before transitioning to the banking industry, where she spent nearly 20 years with U.S. Bank. As Vice President and District Manager, she led 15 branches across western Kentucky.

During her time at U.S. Bank, Johnson was a five-time Pinnacle Award winner in Commercial Treasury Management and recipient of the prestigious Five Star Volunteer Award for her service with the Charity League of Paducah. She also founded a Women’s Professional Development and Leadership Program, reinforcing her long-standing dedication to empowering future leaders.

A recognized leader beyond banking, Johnson is a graduate of Leadership Paducah (2005) and Leadership Kentucky (2019). Her community involvement includes service on the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority, Board Chair of the West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance, and the Baptist Health Foundation.  Ashley’s previous board roles include Barkley Regional Airport Authority, the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way of Paducah-McCracken County, where she served as Board President.

Ashley lives in Paducah with her husband, Michael. They have three adult children: Isaac, Grant (and his wife, Natalie), and Claire.

“It is an incredible honor to be named President and CEO of Paducah Bank,” said Johnson. “This Bank is known not only for its financial strength and innovation, but for its deep-rooted commitment to the people and communities we serve. I am excited to lead this extraordinary team and continue building a tradition of excellence and service.”

Johnson succeeds Mardie Herndon, who will retire at the end of the year after 12 years of successful leadership at Paducah Bank, during which he led the organization through a period of strong growth and profitability. Herndon will continue to serve on the Paducah Bank Board of Directors through 2026.