Our History
Every great institution starts with people who believe in something bigger than profit. Tidemark Federal Credit Union began that way in 1959, and we've operated that way ever since.
A Story 65+ Years in the Making
Founded in 1959
Eight members. $40 on deposit. One shared belief that a community deserves a financial institution that puts people first. That's how Tidemark was born, right here in Seaford, Delaware.
A lot has changed since those early days. We've grown from a single-employer credit union into a full-service institution serving 20,000 members across Delaware, Maryland, and beyond. Our name has evolved, our branches have multiplied, our technology has transformed, but our DNA hasn't changed one bit.
At our core, Tidemark exists to help members take control of their financial lives. As a not-for-profit credit union, every dollar we earn goes back to you, in the form of lower loan rates, higher dividends on deposits, and fewer fees. We're not answering to shareholders. We're answering to you.
Our Roots
Born in the Nylon Capital of the World
Tidemark's story begins on the factory floor of a world record. The DuPont plant in Seaford was the first facility anywhere to produce nylon on a commercial scale, and the workers who built that legacy built this credit union.
1939
World's First Nylon Plant Opens
DuPont begins commercial nylon production in Seaford, making it the "Nylon Capital of the World"
1959
Tidemark
Is Founded
DuPont plant workers pool $40 and form a credit union for their community eight members strong
Today
20,000+
Members
Seven locations across Delaware and Maryland, still rooted in the same community that started it all
The People Behind Tidemark
Meet Our Team
Our leadership team brings decades of credit union experience, and a genuine passion for making financial services work for real people.
Paul Steelman
President/Chief Executive Officer
Ashley Tyre
Chief Operations Officer
Beth Bell
Chief Financial Officer
Brandon Jones
Vice President of Lending
Crystal Dunn
Director of Real Estate Processing
Stephanie Durstine
Director of Branch Operations
Bonnie Farris
Director of Risk
Edward Horan
Commercial Lending Officer
Ben Kunde
Director of IT
Donna Robinson
Director of Digital Experience
Todd Smith
Director of Mortgage Originations
Kerry Stephens
Controller, Director of Accounting
Member-Elected Governance
Board of Directors
Our leadership team brings decades of credit union experience, and a genuine passion for making financial services work for real people.
Tom Idnurm
Chairman
George Bush
Vice Chair
Gemma Cabrera
Secretary
John Lewis
board member
Robert Scannell
Board Member
Robert Dickerson
Board Member
Aaron Chaffinch
Supervisory Committee Member
