Brigette Goodchild
Brigette Goodchild is Vice President and Business Banker at First Citizens Bank in Jacksonville, Florida, where she manages a dynamic portfolio of business clients and serves as a trusted advisor for enterprises across a wide range of industries. In her role, she provides strategic guidance, supports business growth and acquisition initiatives, and handles higher-level lending for clients with financial needs in the $5M–$20M range. Brigette’s approach to commercial banking is relationship-driven, combining comprehensive financial analysis, lending expertise, and proactive client acquisition to help businesses navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
A decorated United States Navy veteran, Brigette brings the discipline, integrity, and leadership skills honed through military service to every professional endeavor. Her 14-year career in the U.S. Navy, including leadership roles as a Leading Petty Officer, has strengthened her abilities in team management, operational strategy, and decision-making under pressure. Before joining First Citizens Bank, she began her banking career at JPMorgan Chase as the first Military Pathways hire in Florida, a program designed to train veterans for banking roles, where she cultivated skills in commercial lending, client relationship management, and business development. Prior to her banking career, Brigette coordinated military funeral honors across New York and New Jersey while continuing to serve as a U.S. Navy reservist, demonstrating her commitment to service and community.
Brigette’s professional philosophy centers on teamwork, mentorship, and empowering others to achieve their potential. She attributes much of her success to her “wonderful team” at First Citizens, with whom she collaborates to deliver superior client service and results. Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to supporting women veterans, young leaders, and local organizations, leveraging her experience in both banking and the military to make meaningful contributions to her clients, colleagues, and the broader community. Brigette is recognized not only for her technical expertise in commercial banking but also for her integrity, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication to client and community success.
• State University of New York at Old Westbury - BA PEL
• Nassau Community College - AAS
• Sailor of the Year; Sailor of the Quarter
• Navy and Marine Corps Medal
• Joint Service Medal
• U.S. Navy Reserve — Leading Petty Officer
• Talk Board Association of Jacksonville (Junior Board) - Vice Chair
• Veterans Ignite (Women Veterans) - Ambassador
What do you attribute your success to?
She attributes her success to her Christian faith (saying "God allowed me to have this incredible life") and to leadership experience from her military service.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
She was encouraged by contacts to apply to JPMorgan Chase's Military Pathways program after moving to Florida; that encouragement launched her banking career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn and observe, continue education, be a great Mentor to others, challenge yourself.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Lending was difficult over the past two years because of interest-rate conditions; with interest rates moving down, she sees growing opportunities for lending.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Christian faith and humility were cited as important personal values.