GTE Financial Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

GTE Financial has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operational coordination, information technology, regional leadership, and human capital management.

Committed to member-centric financial growth, GTE Financial delivers comprehensive banking, lending, and insurance solutions while maintaining a robust, not-for-profit cooperative structure that prioritizes community financial health.

Leadership Roles at GTE Financial

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Brian Best
  • Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer At GTE Financial - Ashley Stimatz
  • President - Wendell Sebastian
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Chad Burney
  • Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer - Jasiel Legon
  • Brian Best - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Brian Best, the President & Chief Executive Officer at GTE Financial, directs the overarching strategic vision for the cooperative. Overseeing the expansion of financial services across the Florida market, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between member needs and institutional growth. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine credit union policies and long-term fiscal health. By optimizing the delivery of checking, savings, and loan products, Brian Best directly impacts the financial stability of the entire membership base. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for operational excellence, ensuring that the cooperative remains competitive within the broader banking industry. Through consistent focus on member value, Best secures the future of the organization while driving sustainable development across all service lines.

    Ashley Stimatz - Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer At GTE Financial

    Ashley Stimatz, the Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer At GTE Financial, at GTE Financial, manages the executive office operations and facilitates cross-departmental communication. Coordinating high-level initiatives, the Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer At GTE Financial ensures that strategic priorities receive immediate attention from the leadership team. This role involves streamlining internal processes to improve organizational efficiency and supporting the execution of corporate goals. By bridging the gap between executive vision and daily operational output, Ashley Stimatz directly influences the speed and quality of decision-making. The Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer At GTE Financial monitors project timelines and resource allocation to maintain institutional momentum. Stimatz provides critical support to the executive suite, ensuring that all administrative and strategic functions remain synchronized with the cooperative mission.

    Wendell Sebastian - President

    Wendell Sebastian, the President at GTE Financial, at GTE Financial, oversees the execution of regional market strategies and member engagement programs. Directing the implementation of specialized financial products, the President ensures that the cooperative maintains a strong presence in the local market. This leadership role involves managing the delivery of investment and insurance services to meet the diverse needs of the membership. By fostering strong relationships with community stakeholders, Wendell Sebastian directly impacts the growth and reputation of the organization. The President monitors performance metrics across various service channels to ensure consistent quality and member satisfaction. Sebastian coordinates with the broader leadership team to refine service delivery models, ensuring that the cooperative remains a trusted financial partner for individuals and businesses throughout the region.

    Chad Burney - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Chad Burney, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at GTE Financial, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all financial services. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols and data management systems, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures that member information remains secure while facilitating seamless online banking experiences. This leadership role involves integrating advanced financial technologies to enhance the efficiency of credit card processing and loan origination platforms. By modernizing the technical stack, Chad Burney directly impacts the accessibility and reliability of the cooperative's digital offerings. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executives to align technology investments with long-term business objectives. Burney drives the digital transformation strategy, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of financial technology innovation within the competitive banking landscape.

    Jasiel Legon - Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer

    Jasiel Legon, the Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer at GTE Financial, at GTE Financial, directs the human capital strategy and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and performance management, the Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the cooperative's mission of service. This leadership role involves designing programs that promote professional growth and maintain high levels of employee engagement across all departments. By cultivating a supportive and inclusive work environment, Jasiel Legon directly impacts the quality of service provided to members. The Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer collaborates with the executive team to ensure that staffing levels and skill sets support the organization's strategic goals. Legon drives the development of internal policies that foster excellence and long-term retention within the financial services sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding GTE Financial Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads GTE Financial?
    GTE Financial is led by Brian Best (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ashley Stimatz (Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer At GTE Financial) and Wendell Sebastian (President).
    Who is part of GTE Financial’s executive team?
    The executive team of GTE Financial includes leaders such as Brian Best (President & Chief Executive Officer), Ashley Stimatz (Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer At GTE Financial), Wendell Sebastian (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does GTE Financial have?
    GTE Financial has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in GTE Financial’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of GTE Financial includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer At GTE Financial, President, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer.