TAMPA, Fla.–One employee of GTE Financial Credit Union is marking her 55th anniversary with the credit union.
Jackie Garofolo joined GTE Financial in 1964 when she was just one of five employees employed to serve its then 2,000 members. Today, the credit union has more than 230,000 members.
She started working at GTE as a junior in high school when she studied half‐time and spent the other half of her day filling cards on ledgers and answering phones at her after‐school job. Today, Garofolo serves as a Member Resolution Support Specialist, and says her love for the concept of credit unions/cooperatives kept her at GTE Financial, the CU said.
“People love the personal touch of credit unions. I had members follow me when I changed branches,” said Garofolo. “I remember knowing all of the members’ names when I first started and greeting them personally. That’s something people cherish.”
According to the credit union, Garofolo serves as a gatekeeper of history and development for her colleagues at GTE.
A ‘Pioneer’
“She pioneered various initiatives that changed the credit union history in Tampa Bay,” GTE Financial said. “From starting from scratch one of the very first checking accounts in the area, to opening branches and working to implement the credit union’s first credit card; Garofolo has a long history of service and innovation.”
To acknowledge Jackie’s devotion to service and excellence for the past 55 years, GTE Financial will recognize her at its employee anniversary luncheon.
“Garofolo’s contributions to GTE Financial and to our members are invaluable. Her love and dedication for her work has helped her to continuously improve the financial lives of our members while making a positive impact through more than five decades of service,” said Brian Best, president and CEO of GTE Financial.