Connected by compassion: The stories behind the family ties that strengthen CVHS
At Catawba Valley Health System, we believe a great workplace is one worth sharing. Connected by Compassion is a storytelling series highlighting the family connections that make CVHS a special place to work. Across our organization, employees are inviting their loved ones to join a mission they believe in, creating a community of caregivers connected by shared purpose.
Meet the Fulbright family: Growing together through shared purpose
For Katie Fulbright, Catawba Valley Health System has been more than the place where she launched her nursing career; it has become a place where her family has grown together, both personally and professionally.
Katie joined Catawba Valley Medical Center in 2010 as a new graduate nurse. Excited about the supportive environment and opportunities she found, she often shared stories at home about the positive experiences she was having and the welcoming culture she had discovered.
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“When my dad was exploring a career change in 2015, I expressed how great it would be for him to come to CVMC,” Katie shared.
Inspired by Katie’s experiences, her father, Tony Lail, joined the CVMC family in 2015 in the Environmental Services (EVS) department. A few years later, he transitioned to Plant Operations, where he continued serving the organization until his retirement in 2025. Retirement did not last long, however. Tony soon returned to CVHS as a PRN team member in Plant Operations, continuing to support the organization he had grown to love.
As Katie’s family grew, so did her connections to CVHS.
After marrying Bobby Fulbright, Katie continued sharing the positive experiences that had made CVHS feel like home. In 2023, Bobby joined the organization in Supply Chain and now oversees the Courier Service, helping ensure supplies and materials are delivered where they are needed to support patient care.
For the Fulbright family, working together at CVHS has created a unique bond built on shared experiences and a common purpose.
“CVMC has always supported professional development and has allowed us to all grow both personally and professionally during our time with the organization,” Katie said.
Whether celebrating successes or navigating challenges, the family appreciates having a shared understanding of what it means to serve patients and support one another.
“It’s great to work with family! We can share our wins and struggles with a commonality that many individuals don’t have the opportunity to do,” Katie shared. “We love being a part of the CVMC family, literally and figuratively!”
The Fulbright family’s story is a reminder that one person’s positive experience can inspire an entire family. Through encouragement, support, and a shared commitment to serving others, they have built careers rooted in compassion while strengthening the culture that makes Catawba Valley Health System feel like family.
Thank you to Katie, Bobby, and Tony for sharing your story and for showing us what it means to be Connected by Compassion.
Are you looking for a workplace where you can grow, make a difference, and be part of a team that feels like family? Explore career opportunities and join the CVHS family today at CatawbaValleyHealth.org/Careers.
