Brian Best serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of GTE Financial, where he leads with a people-first philosophy focused on delivering exceptional value to members, employees, and the community. With more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Brian has held senior leadership roles across leading banks and credit unions, bringing deep expertise in commercial and consumer banking, operations, risk management, and organizational strategy.
Under his leadership, GTE Financial continues to advance innovation while maintaining a strong service-driven culture. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Wright State University and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University. He is also a graduate of the RMA School of Commercial Underwriting and Portfolio Management and a Six Sigma Master Black Belt.
Brian is an active advocate for the credit union industry, having volunteered in multiple leadership roles with national organizations including the National Credit Union CEO Council and NCUA. Instrumental in the merger of the two largest Trade Associations in the United States, now America’s Credit Unions, Brian has served as Class C, Region 3 Director, Executive Committee Member, Treasurer, Chair of the District Task Force and Chair of the Finance Committee and Governance Committee. He is also deeply engaged in the Tampa Bay community, supporting organizations such as the Hillsborough Economic Development Council, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, and Junior Achievement. His leadership has been recognized in publications such as Forbes, Fortune and Newsweek.
