Who We Are


black and white photo of old Kroger Bakery and baker

Proudly serving generations of Central Ohioans


Our History

KEMBA Financial Credit Union was founded in 1933 as the credit union for employees of The Kroger Bakery and stands for Kroger Employee Mutual Benefits Association.

The original branch opened inside the Kroger Bakery downtown. In 1971, the branch relocated to East Broad Street in Whitehall and moved again in 2006 to our current location in Gahanna. Today we continue to serve Kroger associates, but also employees of more than 175 additional area companies, plus anyone who lives, works, worships, or goes to school in Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Hocking, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway, Ross, or Union Counties.

Currently, we have 12 branches across Central Ohio, and growing, along with complete Digital Banking services, automated telephone banking, more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs and more than 5,500 shared branching locations nationwide.

With over $2.2 billion in assets and serving more than 133,000 members, we continually are recognized as a statewide and nationwide leader among credit unions for not only our products, services, associates, and operations, but also our sound financial position. For details, read our latest annual report.

Our Mission
We exist to enrich the financial lives of our members and associates and will do so with passion, empathy, and integrity.

At our core, we’re committed to:
  1. Serving our membership and returning financial value to the cooperative
  2. Member and consumer financial education
  3. Upholding the democratic principles KEMBA was founded on, and the Credit Union Movement
  4. Recognizing the value of diversity across our staff, volunteer Board of Directors, and entire membership
  5. Actively participating in the communities we serve with public service and financial support

Our Focus on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We believe that diversity in all forms makes us a stronger organization, one that is better able to serve both our members, associates and our Board. We are committed to actively inviting all colors, ethnicities, educational backgrounds, abilities, lifestyles and thoughts to our table. We take our role as a cooperative seriously, actively seeking to encourage financial stability within the entire community, but particularly those underrepresented with education and other resources.


A woman smiling outside.
Local Community

Community Impact of Credit Unions

Credit unions play a crucial role in fostering community growth and development, distinguishing themselves from traditional banking institutions through a strong local focus and community involvement.

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Introducing: KEMBA's Associate Director Program

The Associate Director Program provides Members with the opportunity to volunteer and contribute to the future success of our Credit Union.

Our President & CEO

From Our President & CEO

It is a profound honor to serve as President & CEO of KEMBA Financial Credit Union and to lead this incredible organization. At the heart of our work is a deep commitment to our member-owners, made possible by the dedication of our associates – individuals who bring passion, purpose, and a shared belief in our mission to empower and enrich the financial lives of those we serve. Through innovative products, tailored solutions, and value-driven rates, we strive to make a lasting difference – while actively supporting the Central Ohio community and empowering underserved residents with the tools they need for financial well-being.

Credit unions aren’t like other financial institutions; we’re built on cooperation, not competition. On trust, not transactions. And on people helping people, which isn’t just a slogan - it’s our way of life. Our strength as a mission-driven financial institution comes from the diversity of our perspectives and the unity of our purpose: every member-owner matters, every associate matters, and every voice matters. That’s the foundation we stand on, and it’s what will sustain us.

I warmly invite our member‑owners, associates, and community to unite with intention, shared purpose, and passion for our mission as we walk this journey together. As your President & CEO, I’m deeply committed to leading by listening, learning, and living our mission every single day with every single member and associate. Thank you for your continued trust and belief in the credit union mission.

Respectfully,

 
Donna Grimmett
President & Chief Executive Officer

















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