GTE Financial executive retires

TAMPA — E.C. Williams, executive vice president and chief operating officer of GTE Financial since June 2010, retired Aug. 16, according to a statement from the credit union.

Williams helped lead the credit union's rebranding from GTE Federal Credit Union to GTE Financial. The credit union had more than a 10% growth in members and an 11% growth in net worth during Williams' tenure, GTE says in the statement. GTE also experienced large gains in home loan growth and now ranks 34th in mortgage lending out of nearly 7,000 national credit unions.

“When you talk about leadership, E.C. undoubtedly had it. But, for me, it goes beyond that,” says GTE Financial President and CEO Joe Brancucci, in the statement. “He is a great man with integrity, and his sincere love for family, friends and colleagues has inspired this organization. We are sad to see him retire, but look forward to continuing what he helped ignite.”