GTE Financial Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

GTE Financial has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, technology, human resources, and regional management.

Driven by member-centricity, GTE Financial is dedicated to empowering its community through accessible financial services and fostering a culture of trust and innovation.

Leadership Roles at GTE Financial

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Brian Best
  • Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer - Ashley Stimatz
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Bradford Baker
  • 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 overall strategic vision and operational execution for the not-for-profit financial cooperative. Overseeing all major business units, Best ensures alignment with the organization's mission to serve its members and community. This leadership role involves driving growth initiatives, managing key stakeholder relationships, and championing the company's commitment to providing comprehensive financial services, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards, loans, investments, and insurance. By setting the organizational tone and strategic priorities, Brian Best guides GTE Financial's expansion and market presence, ensuring sustained financial health and member satisfaction across its operations. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to fostering innovation within the financial services sector, adapting to evolving market demands, and maintaining the cooperative's strong financial standing.

    Ashley Stimatz - Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer

    Ashley Stimatz, the Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer at GTE Financial, provides critical support and strategic coordination for the organization's top leadership. This role involves managing key initiatives, facilitating communication across departments, and ensuring the efficient execution of the President and Chief Executive Officer's directives. Stimatz oversees special projects, drives operational improvements, and acts as a liaison between executive leadership and other functional areas. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include preparing reports, analyzing data to inform strategic decisions, and streamlining internal processes to enhance productivity. By managing the flow of information and priorities, Ashley Stimatz ensures that the executive team operates with maximum effectiveness, directly contributing to GTE Financial's mission of delivering exceptional financial services and fostering community well-being. This position requires a deep understanding of the company's operations and strategic objectives.

    Bradford Baker - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Bradford Baker, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at GTE Financial, directs the organization's financial strategy, planning, and management. Overseeing all fiscal operations, Baker ensures the financial health and stability of the not-for-profit financial cooperative, managing assets, liabilities, and capital. This critical role involves financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and investment management to support GTE Financial's mission of providing accessible financial services like checking, savings, loans, and credit cards. Bradford Baker's leadership ensures compliance with financial regulations and drives initiatives that optimize profitability and member value. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to risk management, capital allocation, and strategic financial planning to support long-term growth and operational excellence. Baker's expertise is fundamental to maintaining GTE Financial's strong financial position and its ability to offer competitive products and services to its members.
    Bradford Baker

    Wendell Sebastian - President

    Wendell Sebastian, the President at GTE Financial, drives strategic initiatives and operational oversight for key segments of the financial cooperative. This leadership position involves managing specific business units, ensuring their alignment with the overall corporate strategy and mission of providing comprehensive financial services. Sebastian oversees the execution of growth plans, enhances member engagement, and champions the delivery of innovative products such as checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and loans. The President's responsibilities include fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and ensuring operational excellence across designated areas of the organization. Wendell Sebastian's focus is on optimizing performance, driving efficiency, and contributing to the sustained success of GTE Financial's commitment to its members and the community. This role is crucial for implementing strategic objectives and maintaining the cooperative's competitive edge in the financial services market.

    Chad Burney - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Chad Burney, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at GTE Financial, architects and executes the organization's technology strategy, ensuring robust and secure digital infrastructure. Overseeing all IT operations, Burney drives innovation in technology solutions to support GTE Financial's comprehensive suite of financial services, including digital banking, loan processing, and investment platforms. This leadership position involves managing cybersecurity measures, optimizing data management systems, and implementing new technologies to enhance member experience and operational efficiency. By leading the technology division, Chad Burney ensures that GTE Financial remains competitive and compliant in the rapidly evolving financial technology landscape. The Chief Information Officer's focus includes developing scalable IT solutions that support the cooperative's growth and its commitment to providing accessible financial products across checking, savings, credit, and insurance services. Burney's strategic direction is vital for maintaining system integrity and driving digital transformation.

    Jasiel Legon - Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer

    Jasiel Legon, the Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer at GTE Financial, leads the human resources strategy and operations, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, compensation, and benefits, Legon ensures that GTE Financial attracts and retains top talent to support its mission of serving members. This executive role involves developing and implementing HR policies that align with the organization's values and strategic objectives, promoting a culture of engagement and continuous learning. Jasiel Legon's focus includes driving initiatives that enhance employee well-being and support the delivery of exceptional financial services across checking, savings, loans, and investment products. The Chief People Officer plays a pivotal role in shaping the organizational culture and ensuring that GTE Financial's workforce is equipped to meet the evolving needs of its members and the financial industry. Legon's leadership is essential for cultivating a strong, cohesive team.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Banking

    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) and Bradford Baker (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    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), Bradford Baker (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does GTE Financial have?
    GTE Financial has 6 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, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer.