Taylor Sousa

Outgoing. Driven. Honest.

Commercial Lender, Champlain National Bank

Hometown: Mooers Forks, NY

Age: 29

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Finance & Economics from SUNY Plattsburgh

Taylor Sousa brings energy, heart, and a strong sense of hometown pride to everything she does. The youngest Commercial Lender ever at Champlain National Bank, Taylor combines her outgoing personality with a solid background in finance and economics from SUNY Plattsburgh to help North Country businesses grow and thrive. Raised in Mooers Forks, she’s rooted in community values and loves working at a bank where everyone—from tellers to the president—feels like family.

What part of your company’s culture do you value the most and why? 

Champlain National Bank has been locally owned since it opened its doors in the early 1900s. We are a small community-focused bank, and I value most that we are large enough to serve our community, but small enough that the president of our bank knows each staff member by name. It feels more like a second family.

Who are your mentors and role models who have shaped your leadership style?

My role model is my father. I lost him unexpectedly in 2021. My father grew up on a farm and learned young in life that you work hard for what you want, and you work until the job gets done. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to others and lead by example. His actions spoke louder than his words. I looked up to him and his values are what shaped my mindset to be ambitious, motivated, and selfless, not just in my profession, but in life. 

What is something that no one would guess about you? 

I am the youngest of three girls in my family, so my dad treated me as more of a son that he never had, teaching me how to drive a tractor at a young age. I was a “Tomboy” loving to be outdoors mowing the lawn, playing in the river, and riding four wheelers. 

What important lesson have you learned in your career?

Always be willing and open to learn new things and take on new opportunities even if they are out of your comfort zone.