David Goucher

Dedicated. Respectful. Approachable.

Current Employer & Job Title: Arrow Bank, Assistant Branch Manager

Age: 33

Hometown: Warrensburg, NY

Education: Studied Policing Science at SUNY Adirondack

David is all about the little things that make a difference. Taking the time to listen, both in his personal and professional life, he strives to make small differences everyday. The young father finds joy in helping others, be it clients or co-workers, everyone has something to gain when working together.

In three words, how would others describe your personal brand—and where do those traits show up most in your work?

Dedicated, respectful, and approachable—these qualities shape how I work every day at Arrow Bank. Whether I’m supporting clients with their financial needs or guiding my team toward their personal and professional growth goals, I strive to be someone others can rely on and feel comfortable turning to.

What aspect of your organization’s culture do you protect or promote most fiercely—and how have you influenced it?

Care because caring for others is the foundation of everything we do, treating every person with consistent respect and compassion, no matter their circumstances. I aim to show empathy in every interaction, whether with customers, clients, or coworkers, ensuring people feel understood and valued.

Where do you invest your time outside of work, and what motivates your commitment to those efforts?

Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family—whether we’re traveling, going on adventures, or relaxing at home playing video games together. I also enjoy being active in our community, participating in Autism Alliance events and coaching youth soccer for the Town of Peru, all with the goal of making even a small positive difference in someone’s day.

Who has most influenced your leadership style—and what specific lesson from them still shapes how you lead today?

Megon Webb has had the greatest influence on my leadership style. She taught me that not everyone learns the same way—and that’s okay. That perspective continues to shape how I lead today, reminding me to meet people where they are and to give everyone the same level of understanding, support, and dedication.

Where are you making your greatest impact right now—in your organization, industry, or community, and how do you measure it?

I’m making my greatest impact by building strong rapport with my customers and clients and earning their trust to support their financial well-being. I measure that impact by the relationships I build, especially when people return to me for guidance, advice, or additional services.

What’s something about you that would surprise people—and what does it reveal about how you think or operate?

Something that might surprise people about me is how open and transparent I am—I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve. What you see is what you get, and I don’t try to be anything I’m not. I also place a strong focus on listening over speaking, because I believe understanding others is the key to making meaningful decisions and building strong relationships. All of this ties back to my commitment to always strive to be the best version of myself.

What is one lesson your career has taught you that you had to learn the hard way—and how has it changed you?

One of the hardest lessons my career has taught me is that every situation is unique—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s changed how I approach my work by reminding me to slow down, truly listen, and treat each person as the most important one in the room at that moment.

What is the biggest professional or personal risk you’ve taken—and would you make the same decision again? Why or why not?

The biggest risk I’ve taken—both personally and professionally—was in October 2023, when I left a job of seven years at another financial institution, sold my home, and moved 100 miles north to be with my wife and begin a new career with Arrow Bank.

I would absolutely make the same decision again. It gave me the opportunity to build a strong family life and be part of a company I’m proud to work for.

The North Country’s “Gen IQ” reflects how well we lead, market to, and innovate across generations. Where are we getting it right—and where do we need to evolve?

The North Country’s “Gen IQ” shows up in how we lead, market, and innovate across generations. We’re getting it right by highlighting emerging and up-and-coming business professionals and giving them a platform. Where we can evolve is by being more proactive, making sure newer professionals are aware of the resources available to help them grow and strengthen their personal brand.

What’s one idea, belief, or change you hope to see shape the future of leadership in our region?

One belief I hope shapes the future of leadership in our region is that leadership isn’t defined by title, role, or experience—anyone can lead. I also hope to see a stronger culture of empowerment, where we actively support one another’s growth and development.