Celebrating 90 Years!
Our Story Grows Stronger With You
Better banking for all since 1936.
The Baltimore community recognized a need for municipal employees to have access to financial services during The Great Depression. MECU was granted its charter on October 2, 1936.
During the golden age, like many, MECU Credit Union benefited from the economic boom. We reached over $1 million in assets and expanded our products portfolio to include new and used car loans.
MECU outgrew its spaces in City Hall and built new offices at 212 E. Lexington Street. The new building was dedicated on October 20, 1957 with Mayor Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., cutting the ribbon.
MECU's Professional Staff
Elmer Bernhardt retired after 26 years. He became the “credit union liaison,” MECU’s first Business Development Representative. John T. O’Mailey succeeded Elmer Bernhardt as President and Chairman of the Board.
While our Board was growing, so were the services we offer. In the 70's, MECU introduced the Preferred Credit Plan and we gained two members on our Board.
In 1981, MECU moved into its new building at 401 East Fayette Street. Shortly after, we reached and exceeded the $100 million mark.
In 1996, Board Chairman Herman Williams, Jr. introduced Bert J. Hash, Jr. as President and CEO. During his tenure, MECU experienced unprecedented growth.
In 1997, MECU promoted homeownership in Baltimore City by starting "Buy in Baltimore." We also received our domain, established a Human Resources Department, and introduced our first ATM and Cash at the Counter.
By 2000, MECU had opened three new branches in a matter of 12 months.
In 2001, MECU won the CUNA Dora Maxwell Award for Community Service and the CUES Golden Mirror Award in Public Relations. In 2004, MECU's Day of Caring received the CUES award for Public Relations and the Dora Maxwell Award for Social Responsibility.
In 2009, the MECU Foundation was founded to improve the financial education and literacy of the communities we serve through volunteer services and resources.
In 2019, MECU began the levelUP Financial Wellness™ program. Our LevelUP Program has over 1,200 members enrolled, and we’ve also reached almost 14,000 participants in our community workshops.
90 years later, MECU continues to invest in members and communities.
