Gregory Darton is the Regional Wealth Sales Manager for Meridian Credit Union in the Niagara region since November of 2018. Prior to joining Meridian, Gregory worked at CIBC for 7 years, starting as a Financial Services Representative and progressing through sales and leadership positions in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines before taking a role in Toronto, leading a national remote wealth advisory team. Gregory holds the Personal Financial Planning designation, Fellowship of the CSI designation (the most senior credential in Financial Services) and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Brock University.
Gregory has called St. Catharines & Niagara home for his entire life and now enjoys the community with his beautiful wife Taylor and daughter Cecilia. Gregory’s passions include family, sports, and music!
In your view, what’s the most important attribute of a leader?
The most important attribute of a leader is genuine curiosity.
I believe this attribute is most important as it is the first step to asking questions, understanding, and building for a better future. Genuine curiosity leads me to ask questions of any team I’m a part of to better understand the personal and professional situation of everyone and how I can help them grow. I believe that in being genuine and showing true care and empathy, one can create advocates for both you and your company, charity, or cause that will go above and beyond to exceed expectations in all facets.
How do you define civic leadership?
Civic leadership is the commitment individuals make to ensure the goals of a community are achieved for an improved quality of life, both socially and economically.
Why are you personally motivated to explore civic leadership?
As a lifelong Niagara resident, I am personally motivated to explore civic leadership to contribute to the growth of our community for generations to come. Personality testing has identified compassion as being one of my top 5 strengths. This also lends to my desire to give back to the community that has meant so much to my development.
What, in your view, is the most significant issue/opportunity facing our community? Why?
The most significant issue/opportunity facing our community right now arises from the debate around governance in the Niagara Region.
While it may seem an obscure topic, the governance of our community affects each and every person within the region. The prospect of amalgamation is interesting as there would likely be significant cost savings by streamlining many essential services, there are also risks of losing the identity of each community within the region that many fear would be inevitable in an amalgamated region.