Andrew Gobel celebrates 25 years at First National Bank of Groton

When most people in the Groton community think of the name “Gobel” and equate it with the First National Bank of Groton, the immediate tendency is to think of its president and chief executive officer, Steve Gobel, but not everyone may realize that his son, Andrew, is the bank’s executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO).  

While Steve has thus far been employed at the bank for roughly 56 years, Andrew celebrated his 25th year of service in January 2023, but just this past summer he was promoted to his current role. 

Like father, like son — Steve is a 1966 Groton High School (GHS) alumnus, and Andrew graduated in 2001. Both began their banking careers at early ages, but while Steve did not begin working for the bank until after he had graduated from college, Andrew began his tenure working after school and on Saturdays while he was attending high school.  

“I did work at Dollar Foods here in Groton the summer between my junior and senior year stocking shelves and cashiering,” Andrew said. “And I did enjoy it because a lot of my friends worked there too, but I always loved the bank more.” 

Andrew explained that his favorite subject was always math, and that he was always a year ahead in school with his studies, including taking college-level calculus while in high school. Thus, although some of his initial duties at the bank included outdoor landscaping and assisting with processing the mail, it didn’t take long before he was involved in some of the operations under the supervision of Alan Christopher, who is currently the bank’s senior vice president. 

While in high school, Andrew also played basketball at both junior varsity and varsity levels as a power or small forward. He also played in a traveling basketball league through the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). In fact, he was given the Coach’s Award for Leadership in his senior year.  

“I enjoyed [playing basketball],” Andrew said, “but I loved math more. It’s what I was best at, and I knew banking involved math, so that’s how I knew that’s what I wanted to do with my life. I just always knew that banking would be my future and always hoped it would be here in Groton.” 

Andrew chose to attend Ithaca College (IC) purely because it is local, and he wanted to continue working at the bank as much as possible. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from IC in 2005, but even while there, he worked at the bank two to three days a week, depending on his class schedule.  

While in college, Andrew worked his way up to becoming an audit assistant. Kathy Barnes, who is now the senior vice president of audit and compliance, was the auditor at the time, and Andrew’s supervisor.  

“I was able to help do parts of audits, such as gathering materials and researching reviews of audit requirements,” Andrew said. “Then, after IC, I became the full-time internal auditor. That enabled me to see everything that goes on in the bank — enough of everything to see how it worked, even if I never did the job. Plus, math was involved, so I loved it!” 

For the next 10 years, Andrew remained in that position until he became a finance officer in the Administration and Finance Department in 2015. It was there that he learned all about the budgeting process, investing, asset liability management and more.  

“The goal was for me to replace Alan [Christopher] as chief financial officer when he semiretired,” Andrew said. “I became the vice president of administration and finance in 2016, and then Alan did semiretire in 2018, so I did take on that role then.” 

In 2019, in addition to his role as CFO, Andrew became the senior vice president of administration and finance, and then finally the executive vice president in summer 2023.  

When asked what his newest role entails, Andrew said that some of the areas in his purview are making sure the financial reporting is accurate and that banking rules are followed, which, he said, can change often. In addition, he oversees the human resources officer, does investment purchasing, asset liability function, taxes and bank reimbursements. He also ensures that the bank’s strategic plan is being implemented. 

“Just like everyone here, I wear a lot of hats,” Andrew said. “We all wear a lot of hats because we’re a small place and everyone is like a family. Groton’s small-town atmosphere is what keeps me here. It’s something I always want to be a part of.” 

Looking back on his childhood, Andrew added that he has “always loved living here and ramming around town all the time growing up. Our classes were small, you knew everyone in your class, and you knew everyone in town.” 

During those growing-up years, the Gobel family also included Steve’s wife, Linda, who passed away in July 2020, and Andrew’s older brother, Eric, who is a 1999 GHS alumnus and currently an advanced lecturer and co-director of the Neuroscience Program at Loyola University.  

Now grown, Andrew has his own family. He met his wife, Marisa, through mutual friends, and they were married in August 2015. They are delightedly raising their three-year-old daughter, Mara, and Andrew still loves math!  

“One thing about the banking industry is that it moves fast, and it’s important for us as a small community to keep up with the industry while also maintaining relationships with our customers,” Andrew said. “Our motto at the bank is ‘Customers for life, one day at a time.’ We don’t want to just be here for transactions. We want to be here to support you in your journey of life and help in any way we can.”  

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at 607-227-4922.  

In brief: 

An opportunity to help save lives 

An American Red Cross blood drive will take place at the Groton American Legion Post 800, 307 Main St., from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17. Call 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment. 

Southern gospel concert 

The Rolling Hills Southern Gospel Quartet will be at Groton City Church, 47 Groton City Rd., at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, accompanied by Marilyn Dominick. A free-will offering will be gratefully received, and light refreshments will follow the concert. 

Free rabies clinic 

Tompkins County Whole Health and the SPCA of Tompkins County are partnering to offer a free rabies vaccination clinic from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17 at the SPCA, 1640 Hanshaw Rd. 

Vaccinations are available for all dogs, cats or ferrets. All animals must be on a leash or in a carrier. More information is available from Tompkins County Whole Health by calling 607-274-6688.  

SPCA volunteers will be on hand at the event to distribute low-cost spay and neuter applications. Bring proof of prior vaccination with you or town license renewal if you’d like to receive a three-year certification.