GTE Financial Executive and Leadership Team

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 the Tampa, Florida community. This leadership role involves driving growth initiatives, managing key stakeholder relationships, and upholding the cooperative's commitment to providing comprehensive financial services, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards, loans, and investment services. By championing innovation and member satisfaction, Brian Best solidifies GTE Financial's market position and financial stability. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate extends to fostering a culture of excellence and integrity across all departments, ensuring the cooperative's long-term success and adherence to its core values.

Ashley Stimatz, the Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer at GTE Financial, provides strategic support and operational coordination to the executive leadership team. Managing key initiatives and ensuring seamless communication between departments, Stimatz facilitates the execution of the President and Chief Executive Officer's directives across the organization. This role involves streamlining processes, preparing executive briefings, and driving cross-functional projects that align with GTE Financial's mission of serving its members in Tampa, Florida, and beyond. By optimizing executive bandwidth and ensuring strategic priorities are met, Ashley Stimatz directly contributes to the cooperative's operational effectiveness and its ability to offer a full spectrum of financial services. The Chief of Staff's focus includes enhancing organizational efficiency and supporting the implementation of strategic plans that promote member growth and satisfaction.

Wendell Sebastian, the President at GTE Financial, drives strategic initiatives and operational excellence across key business segments of the financial cooperative. Overseeing specific divisions and ensuring their alignment with the overarching corporate mission, Sebastian plays a crucial role in enhancing member value and expanding service offerings. This leadership capacity involves guiding teams to deliver superior financial products, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and loans, while upholding the cooperative's commitment to the Tampa, Florida community. By fostering collaboration and driving performance, Wendell Sebastian contributes significantly to GTE Financial's sustained growth and market presence. The President's responsibilities extend to identifying new opportunities for service enhancement and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources to support the cooperative's strategic goals and member satisfaction.

Chad Burney, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at GTE Financial, architects and executes the technology strategy that underpins the financial cooperative's operations. Overseeing all information technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation efforts, Burney ensures the secure and efficient delivery of financial services across North America. This critical role involves managing the development and implementation of cutting-edge technological solutions that enhance member experience and operational efficiency, supporting services from checking and savings to complex loan and investment products. By driving technological advancements, Chad Burney enables GTE Financial to maintain a competitive edge and adapt to evolving digital landscapes. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include safeguarding sensitive member data and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations, thereby protecting the cooperative's integrity and member trust.

Jasiel Legon, the Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer at GTE Financial, leads the human capital strategy to cultivate a high-performing and engaged workforce. Overseeing talent acquisition, development, compensation, and employee relations, Legon ensures that GTE Financial attracts and retains top talent essential for delivering exceptional member services across its financial offerings. This leadership position is pivotal in fostering a positive organizational culture that supports the cooperative's mission and values, impacting everything from front-line member interactions to back-office operations. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Jasiel Legon strengthens the foundation of GTE Financial, enabling the team to effectively provide checking and savings, credit cards, loans, and investment services. The Chief People Officer's strategic focus includes developing robust HR policies and programs that align with the cooperative's long-term objectives and its commitment to the Tampa, Florida community.