In Memoriam: CU Industry Loses Two Longtime Leaders

Memorial services will be held for two, long-standing and revered credit union leaders, Donald Tynes Sr. and Jim McCormack.

SECU in Linthicum, Md., said Tynes, who served on the board of directors for more than 47 years, passed away on March 22. McCormack, retired president/CEO of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association, passed away on March 23, the CrossState Credit Union Association said.

In honor of Tynes’ legacy, the SECU MD Foundation – the philanthropic and community outreach arm of the credit union – will name its highest tier scholarship for those students who have made an impact on their local community in his memory.

“Donald’s kindness, graciousness and his service to SECU and its members for 47 years will never be forgotten. Donald was a true mentor and provided guidance on any matter facing the board,” Juancho Baino, board chair of the $4.7 billion SECU, said in a prepared statement. “In looking back, Donald’s path to service for the State of Maryland and SECU in many ways helped pave the way for many young professionals looking to make an impact and forge success in their careers. He was a trailblazer leading the way for many to succeed and in making a strong, positive presence in the community.”

As SECU’s longest serving board member, Tynes played an important role in the growth and development of Maryland’s largest credit union. He held an officer position for 28 of those 47 years: Nine as chair; 16 as vice chair and three as secretary. He also served as board chair of the Credit Union Foundation of MD and DC from 2007 to 2016.

In 2017, Tynes was inducted into the African American Credit Union Coalition Hall of Fame for his distinguished contributions to the credit union community.

“We are profoundly grateful for Donald’s commitment and service to SECU over the last four decades. His contributions and impact will be felt for years to come, and his presence greatly missed. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones,” SECU President/CEO Dave Sweiderk said in a prepared statement.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at New Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore.

McCormack spent 32 years with PCUA, serving 21 years as its president/CEO before retiring in 2013. The association merged with the New Jersey Credit Union League in 2020, creating the CrossState Credit Union Association.

During his tenure with PCUA, he received state and national recognition for his visionary leadership helping credit unions to thrive and survive for more than 40 years.

“Jim McCormack was a selfless leader, not only in Pennsylvania but throughout the country. His work with former Congressman Paul Kanjorski to ensure credit union access for American consumers enabled the credit union movement to grow to what it has become today,” CrossState Credit Union Association President/CEO Patrick Conway said in a prepared statement. “On behalf of the entire team at CrossState, I offer all of our condolences to the McCormack family and to all the people whose lives were impacted by Jim McCormack.”

Highlights of McCormack’s career included the establishment of the PA Credit Union Foundation, the Shared Service Centers throughout Keystone State, the Judge/Bradley Leadership School developed in conjunction with Penn State University, and the state credit card processing program in the mid-1980s that allowed Pennsylvania credit unions to offer credit and debit cards to their members.

In 2014, McCormack won the most prestigious national credit union recognition, the Herb Wegner Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement from the National Credit Union Foundation. He also was recognized with several other national awards including the Gene Farley Award presented to outstanding state credit union association presidents.

Visitation and a memorial service will be held on April 19 at the Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home at 2100 Linglestown Road in Harrisburg.