GTE Financial Welcomes Steve Vaughn as Vice President of Technology Integration
Veteran IT Leader to
Drive Innovation and AI adoption At One of Florida’s Largest Credit Unions
Tampa, Fla. [October 14, 2025] -- GTE Financial,
one of Florida’s largest and most established credit unions, announced today
the appointment of Steve Vaughn as Vice President of Technology Integrations.
Vaughn has nearly 30 years of experience in Information Technology and software
development, most recently serving as a senior technology leader at Partners
Federal Credit Union in Orlando.
Before joining GTE Financial, Vaughn managed
member-facing applications, loan and card systems, and business intelligence
platforms. His career has evolved from hands-on system development to shaping
enterprise-wide technology strategies designed to directly enhance the member
experience.
“From my very first conversation with GTE, it
was clear that this organization views technology as a differentiator, not just
a cost center,” said Vaughn. “That philosophy excites me, and I look forward to
working with the talented team here to deliver seamless, secure and
member-focused innovations.”
In his new role, Vaughn will oversee the
integration of critical systems and drive improvements in IT service
efficiency. His key priorities include integrating AI and emerging
technologies, expanding automation, and ensuring that every technology
investment advances security, accuracy, and convenience for GTE’s more than
200,000 members.
“Steve’s depth of experience and
forward-looking mindset make him a tremendous addition to GTE,” said Chad
Burney, Chief Information Officer at GTE Financial. “His leadership will help
us continue advancing technology that protects members’ financial resources
while providing faster, smarter and more convenient access to them.”
Collaboration is central to Vaughn’s
leadership style. He emphasizes listening, transparency and adaptability as critical
to building strong partnerships across the organization. “Technology
integration is right in my title,” he added. “Good technology should reflect,
not dictate, the organization; and that means working hand in hand with our
teams to understand their goals and challenges.”
Vaughn holds a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from Auburn University. He sees technology as a vital tool for protecting members’ financial resources while ensuring round-the-clock access. By leveraging AI, automation, and data insights, Vaughn believes credit unions can anticipate member needs and deliver faster, smarter, and more convenient solutions, further strengthening GTE Financial’s commitment to innovation and service.
About GTE Financial:
GTE
Financial is a not-for-profit financial cooperative located throughout West
Central Florida with $2.9 billion in assets and 24 Community Financial Centers.
Chartered in 1935, GTE Financial is the official credit union of the Tampa Bay
Lightning and is locally owned and operated in the Tampa Bay area, serving more
than 230,000 individuals and businesses. For more information on GTE Financial,
visit gtefinancial.org.