Tampa Bay’s locally owned and operated credit union, GTE Financial, was named the winner of a Silver and Bronze Stevie® Award in the Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility and Technology Executive of the Year categories in the 21st Annual American Business Awards®.

The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small.

GTE Financial’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Chad Burney was honored with a Bronze Stevie® Award for Technology Executive of the Year and was commended for his impressive background and innovative contributions to the banking industry. Burney is in great company as other executives who were recognized in this category are from large organizations like the Department of Labor and Quickbase. Over his tenure at GTE, he has built a proactive and strategic Technology Solutions department that not only ensures vital dial-tone and member access, but also enables GTE to differentiate and grow in a highly competitive market, that continues to evolve at a break-neck pace. His department’s virtualization and cloud-based strategy, that began over 6 years ago, facilitated GTE's move to remote work, seamlessly, safely, and effectively.

The credit union also received a Silver Stevie Award® for their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility. The social responsibility award is new in 2023, which makes GTE one of the first companies to win. This honor is an incredible milestone for the organization and transcends the credit union and banking industry. Other winners in this category are worldwide brands like Samsung and Hilton. GTE was praised for its incredible mission with a highly inclusive culture where philanthropy, team member success, and member appreciation are at the forefront.

"I could not be prouder of not only our organization, but of Chad for being a recipient of these prestigious awards,” said Brian Best, President and Chief Executive Officer of GTE Financial. “It is remarkable that our commitment to philanthropy and innovative technology initiatives are being recognized at a national level. This shows the commitment GTE has for our communities, members and employees.”

More than 3,700 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories and more than 230 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners.

“It is very gratifying for us to be able to recognize the achievements of such a wide variety of organizations, teams, and individuals in the 21st ABAs, and we look forward to bringing them together in New York on June 13 to celebrate with them,” said Maggie Miller, president of the Stevie Awards.

More than 230 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners.

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2023 Stevie winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA.