Carmen Goers is a dynamic and mission-driven executive with more than 30 years of progressive experience across banking, small business advocacy, and community leadership. With an unwavering dedication to both economic empowerment and social equity, Carmen has cultivated a reputation as a strategic problem solver and trusted advisor in both the private and nonprofit sectors. Her leadership journey reflects a unique blend of financial acumen, civic engagement, and heartfelt commitment to uplifting others—particularly underserved communities and aspiring entrepreneurs.
After the family left military service, they relocated to Washington state in 2000, where she focused her career on the financial services industry, where she spent 17 years with Wells Fargo, rising through the ranks to become a Senior Relationship Manager. In this capacity, she supported a wide range of businesses with tailored financial solutions, developing a strong foundation in commercial lending, underwriting, and risk assessment. Her early success was grounded in her keen analytical skills and ability to build deep, trusting relationships with clients—a hallmark of her leadership style that endures to this day.
Carmen’s transition into broader leadership roles across multiple banks—including Heritage Bank, Umpqua Bank, Pacific Premier Bank, and currently Washington Trust Bank—reflected both her adaptability and her growing influence in the regional economic landscape. As Vice President of Small Business Banking, she has not only guided countless businesses through complex financial decisions, but also championed policies and partnerships that promote growth and sustainability in the communities she serves. Her work has often intersected with local governments, nonprofits, and chambers of commerce, where she has played a key role in forging strategic collaborations.
At the heart of Carmen’s impact is her longstanding dedication to community service. She has held board leadership positions for more than two decades, including Board President of Eileen & Callie’s Place, an organization supporting young women aging out of the foster care system. Her influence extends across numerous boards and advisory groups, such as the South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition, the Auburn Human Services Committee, and Pacific Christian Academy. In each setting, Carmen has brought financial stewardship, governance excellence, and an authentic voice rooted in empathy and lived experience.
Carmen’s leadership has also been catalytic in fundraising and capacity-building. She was instrumental in securing over $1.7 million in annual revenue growth for mission-aligned organizations and played a leading role in a $5 million major gifts campaign for the Kent YMCA. Whether designing audit systems to reduce risk or developing strategic plans to expand nonprofit outreach, Carmen approaches each challenge with precision, foresight, and a deep respect for the communities involved.
Her advocacy extends to the policy level, where she has collaborated with regional leaders on initiatives such as the Moving Washington Transportation Package. Carmen’s ability to navigate complex legislative environments has made her a powerful advocate for equitable infrastructure, small business protections, and inclusive economic development. She is known for her strategic insight, calm under pressure, and ability to unify diverse stakeholders toward shared goals.
Throughout her career, Carmen has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to bridge the worlds of finance and service. Her analytical mindset, paired with a compassionate spirit, enables her to drive results while nurturing meaningful human connections. She believes that leadership is not about authority—it’s about accountability, vision, and the courage to do what is right, even when it is difficult.
Carmen is a proud graduate of the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She is also a graduate of the Board Chairs Academy by Third Sector Company, where she deepened her understanding of governance, succession planning, and nonprofit board development. These credentials reflect her lifelong commitment to continuous learning and thoughtful leadership.
Among her many recognitions, Carmen received the 2022 Marge Williams Citizen of the Year Award from the Kent Chamber of Commerce and the 2021 Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service from the King County Council. These honors are a testament to her impact as a community advocate, mentor, and role model. They also underscore her belief that true success is measured not by personal gain, but by the lives we help transform along the way.
As Carmen looks to the future, she is actively seeking paid board opportunities that align with her values and expertise. She sees this next chapter as a bridge between her financial career and her enduring mission to serve—an opportunity to contribute at a strategic level to organizations in manufacturing, transportation, human services, and the nonprofit sector. For Carmen, board service is not just a professional milestone—it is a purposeful path to create lasting, community-centered impact.
Character:
Carmen Goers leads with humility, integrity, and deep compassion for the communities she serves. Her long-standing record of civic engagement is fueled by a personal calling to lift others and cultivate spaces of belonging. She is trusted by colleagues and stakeholders alike for her unwavering commitment to doing what’s right, even when the path is uncertain.
Knowledge:
With over three decades of experience in commercial banking, organizational leadership, and nonprofit governance, Carmen brings an exceptional depth of expertise. Her understanding of financial systems, public policy, and board operations allows her to offer meaningful insights and innovative solutions. She is a lifelong learner who continuously refines her skills to better serve those around her.
Strategic:
Carmen is known for her ability to take a high-level view while remaining grounded in execution. Whether spearheading a fundraising campaign or designing advocacy strategies, she approaches challenges with clarity, logic, and long-term vision. Her strategic thinking consistently leads to scalable, sustainable impact across sectors.
Communication:
An inspiring speaker and thoughtful collaborator, Carmen communicates with authenticity, empathy, and purpose. Her ability to translate complex issues into actionable strategies makes her an asset in any boardroom or public forum. She listens deeply, speaks with intention, and fosters environments of respect and shared understanding.
