Our Story

SECU: 75 Years of Putting People First

In October 1951, inside the Miller Building in downtown Baltimore, a simple but powerful idea took root – people helping people. With a borrowed desk, a single chair, and a belief in community, State Employees Credit Union was born.

The very first member was Maryland Governor Theodore R. McKeldin, who joined because he believed there was a better way to support those who serve Marylanders.

By the end of its first month, SECU had grown to 33 members and $3,487 in assets. Within three months, SECU made its first loan for $180. Every member was served with a promise that would guide SECU for the next 75 years – to put people before profits.

What began as a modest effort grew steadily. SECU opened its first official office in 1953 – all staffed by volunteers. Full-time, permanent employees were hired in the 1960s. The 1970s were a time of rapid membership growth, and SECU expanded outside of Baltimore, opening financial centers and serving people in areas across the state.

Over the decades, SECU has evolved alongside the people we serve. From the first desk in the hallway to a network of branches to digital banking, the organization has continually adapted to meet members where they are.

Today, SECU serves nearly 270,000 members and manages approximately $5.8 billion in assets, making it Maryland’s largest state-chartered credit union. Throughout our growth, we continue to live by our promise, and we are always focused on strengthening lives, workplaces, and communities.

A Legacy of Growth and Impact

SECU’s impact goes far beyond banking. Through the SECU MD Foundation, SECU has helped students achieve their dreams by awarding more than $2 million in scholarships. We are also committed to financial education – partnering with universities, K-12 schools, and other organizations to teach people about financial topics that help them get on a path to a secure financial future.

Each October, SECU leads a Kindness Campaign, where people spread millions of acts of kindness. Maryland’s Governor has proclaimed October as Kindness Month for three consecutive years.

Momentum That Continues Today

After 75 years, we are still actively living the mission we were founded on – people helping people. Every year we expand our services, strengthen our community partnerships, and help families, students, and entrepreneurs across Maryland achieve their goals.

Through financial education programs, campus engagement, and community investment, SECU meets members at every stage of life – helping them save, borrow, and build with confidence.

SECU remains a strong and stable financial institution, growing assets, loans, and deposits while investing in its people and maintaining a culture recognized as a Top Workplace year after year.

75 Years – and What Comes Next

75 years of history isn’t just a milestone – it’s our foundation for the future.

Everything SECU is today stems from the promise made in 1951 – people come first, communities matter, and success is shared.

As SECU looks ahead, that promise continues to guide every decision, every innovation, and every relationship. Because while much has changed over the past 75 years, one thing remains constant – when you lead with heart, you build something that lasts.

And at SECU, the next chapter is just beginning.