Press Release – TAMPA, Fla. — (May 27, 2016) – GTE Financial, one of Florida’s largest credit unions, has announced Brian Best as the company’s president and CEO. Mr. Best is an industry leader that has led and evolved financial organizations for more than 20 years.
Serving in leadership positions in some of the nation’s most prominent banks and credit unions, Best has overseen every facet of consumer and business banking at a management and executive level with a focus on finances, operations, lending, and marketing. Best has been a member of the GTE executive team since 2010. He has served as executive vice president and senior vice president chief experience officer. In January 2016, Best was named acting president and CEO.
“Having worked with Brian over the last six years, the board of directors has observed and deeply appreciated his member-centric approach and focus,” said Rick Hagan, GTE Financial board of director chairman. “He is a very humble leader that’s passionate about the credit union, genuinely believing in serving others and putting people first.”
Best has been a Tampa Bay resident for 13 years, earning his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and a Master of Business and Administration from Saint Leo University near Tampa, Florida. He is a graduate of the RMA School of Commercial Underwriting and Portfolio Management and received his Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.
“Having worked in the financial industry my entire career, I can tell you that GTE is a great institution, with outstanding employee talent and enthusiasm,” says Best. “We are focused on returning value to our membership, forging new paths with service-minded innovation and continuing our emphasis on giving back to the communities we serve,” added Best. “I look forward to contributing to GTE’s bright future in exciting and meaningful ways.”
About GTE Financial: GTE Financial is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than $1.8 billion in assets and 22 Community Financial Centers located throughout West Central Florida. Chartered in 1935, GTE Financial is locally owned and operated in the Tampa Bay area, serving the financial needs of more than 240,000 individuals and businesses. More information on GTE Financial can be found at www.gtefinancial.org.
