BALTIMORE (March 25, 2022) — SECU, Maryland’s largest state chartered credit union, remembers Donald Tynes, Sr. who passed away on March 22, 2022. Tynes served on SECU’s Board of Directors for more than 47 years. In honor of his legacy, the SECU MD Foundation – the philanthropic and community outreach arm of the credit union – will name their 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,” said Juancho Baino, Chairman of the Board, SECU. “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. Our greatest bond will always be our love for Baltimore, for Maryland and for the community that SECU serves.”
As SECU’s longest serving Board member, Tynes played an important role in the growth and development of SECU. In total, Donald served as a Board member from 1975 – 2022. He held an officer position for 28 of those 47 years: 9 as Chairman, 16 as Vice Chairman and 3 as Secretary as he served as Chairman of the Organizational Committee. Additionally, Donald served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Credit Union Foundation of MD and DC from 2007 – 2016.
Through his dedication and passion for SECU, Tynes represented the best of the credit union movement. In 2017, Tynes was inducted into the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) Hall of Fame for his distinguished contributions to the credit union community. Tynes worked as the system-wide Director of Human Resources for the University System of Maryland. During his many years of public service, he also served as Deputy Secretary of Personnel for the State of Maryland and Director of Personnel for Anne Arundel County Government.
As a native of Baltimore, Tynes was actively involved in the local community. He was recognized as the African Methodist Episcopal Church’s “Bishop’s Man of the Year for Community Service” as well as the Zeta Sigma Alumni Chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s “Bigger and Better Business Award,” and was the Sire Archon of Gamma Boule of Baltimore. Tynes was a graduate of Morgan State University (MSU), where he continued his involvement for more than 40 years as a mentor for countless students and a volunteer for the MSU Choir.
In addition to the SECU Board, Tynes was active with several civic and community organizations, including the Carter Foundation, MSU Alumni Association, Gamma Boule, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.
“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,” said Dave Sweiderk, CEO and President of SECU. “The entirety of SECU and our SECU Board of Directors joins me in thanking Donald for his dedication and service to our cooperative. We will honor his memory by continuing to dedicate ourselves to the credit union mission and community he loved so much.”
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