GTE Financial Executive and Leadership Team

Brian Best, the President & Chief Executive Officer at GTE Financial, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution of the cooperative. Overseeing the expansion of financial services across Florida, 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, lending, and investment offerings. By optimizing the cooperative business model, Brian Best directly impacts the financial health of the entire membership base. Through rigorous oversight of fiscal performance and market positioning, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the competitive edge of the organization. Ultimately, Best secures the long-term sustainability of the cooperative by fostering a culture of innovation and member-centric service delivery across all regional operations.

Ashley Stimatz, the Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer At GTE Financial, manages the strategic workflow and internal communications for the executive office. Coordinating cross-departmental initiatives, the Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer At GTE Financial ensures that organizational goals remain synchronized with the cooperative mission. This role involves facilitating high-level decision-making processes and monitoring the execution of key corporate projects. By streamlining administrative operations, Ashley Stimatz directly supports the efficiency of the leadership team. The Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer At GTE Financial acts as a primary liaison between the executive office and various business units to maintain operational transparency. Through meticulous project management and strategic planning, Stimatz optimizes the internal environment to support the long-term growth objectives of the cooperative.

Wendell Sebastian, the President at GTE Financial, oversees the operational execution of regional banking services and member relations. Focusing on the delivery of checking, savings, and credit products, the President ensures that branch operations meet the specific needs of the local community. This role involves managing the performance of retail banking teams and optimizing the member experience across all physical locations. By driving regional growth initiatives, Wendell Sebastian directly contributes to the expansion of the cooperative footprint. The President coordinates with other executive leaders to ensure that retail strategies align with the broader financial goals of the organization. Through the consistent application of service standards and operational excellence, Sebastian maintains the reputation of the cooperative as a trusted financial partner for members throughout the region.

Chad Burney, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at GTE Financial, architects the digital infrastructure supporting all banking and insurance platforms. Managing the cybersecurity framework and data integrity, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures secure access for members across all digital channels. This role involves integrating advanced financial technologies to streamline loan processing and account management systems. By modernizing the technical stack, Chad Burney directly enhances the efficiency of the cooperative. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer coordinates with other executive leaders to align technology investments with broader business objectives. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, Burney drives the digital transformation necessary to maintain high service standards in a competitive financial landscape, ensuring robust performance for the entire organization.

Jasiel Legon, the Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer at GTE Financial, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee engagement, and professional training, the Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer ensures the workforce remains aligned with the cooperative values. This role involves designing compensation structures and performance management systems that attract top talent to the financial sector. By fostering an inclusive and high-performing culture, Jasiel Legon directly impacts the service quality provided to members. The Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer collaborates with the executive team to implement leadership development programs that prepare the organization for future challenges. Through the continuous refinement of internal policies, Legon maintains a motivated and skilled workforce capable of delivering exceptional financial services across all regional operations.