TAMPA, Fla.– GTE Financial President & CEO Brian Best has been named a 2025 Apogee Award honoree by Tampa Bay Business & Wealth magazine.
The Apogee Awards recognize distinguished C-Suite leaders across Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties whose dedication to their industries and communities deserves particular recognition. From over 300 nominations and over 180 applications judged, Best was a Top 40 Finalist and the overall winner in the CEO Large Company category.
“Under Best’s visionary leadership, GTE Financial has been transformed into a people-first credit union, widely recognized for its innovative culture, employee excellence, social responsibility and community impact,” the credit union said. “In 2025, GTE was named one of Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Midsized Workplaces” as well as Best Credit Unions to Work For by American Banker. Since 2019, the credit union has donated more than $2.5 million to local nonprofits, advancing its mission of giving back to the Tampa Bay region.
“I am proud to have worked with Brian for most of my career. He truly embodies what it means to be a servant leader, driving progress and evolution in the credit union industry while keeping people at the heart of every decision,” said Dona Svehla, Executive Vice President and COO. “This award reflects his unwavering commitment to our employees, members and the Tampa Bay community.”
Best, who became president and CEO in 2016, has guided GTE through monumental economic and industry challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic and historic local storms. Through his leadership, GTE implemented financial relief programs, expanded member services, and introduced award-winning employee benefits that prioritize wellness, resilience and professional growth.
“I am truly honored to receive the Apogee Award. However, this achievement is more a reflection of the incredible team at GTE Financial,” Best said in a statement. “Together, we have fostered a culture centered on service, ingenuity and compassion, where giving back is not just an initiative but an integral part of our identity. This recognition highlights the importance of doing the right things for the right reasons.”
