“Early in my career, I chased challenging assignments and learned enormously — but overwork left me showing up poorly everywhere. The demands haven’t lessened; prioritizing balance — rest, health, family, real connection — means I now slow down so I can be fully present.”
Tammy Kemp’s three-decade career in specialty finance reflects a journey grounded in technical mastery, operational empathy and an unshakeable commitment to culture. Like many industry veterans, she didn’t set out on a dedicated path into specialty finance but instead discovered her passion for it from the ground up. Beginning as a credit analyst, Kemp systematically built a comprehensive understanding of the credit life cycle by serving as an account manager, field examiner, underwriter and workout specialist before advancing to portfolio manager.
Having personally worked in nearly every role within a finance organization, Kemp brings rare authenticity to her leadership as president and chief credit officer at Garrington. This firsthand perspective allows her to evaluate credit risk through a practical, operational lens, understanding the real-world friction and responsibilities her teams face daily. A defining aspect of her career is her dedication to building a people-first organization at Garrington, where evaluating businesses starts with understanding the human stories, owners and leadership teams behind the balance sheets.
What truly sets Kemp apart is her devotion to lifting others as she leads. Remembering the perseverance required to work her way up, she makes active sponsorship, mentorship and clear pathways for the next generation cornerstones of her executive agenda. Recognizing a key industry inflection point, she advocates for greater flexibility and support for women balancing professional growth with family life, actively breaking down barriers to advancement. Grounded in intentional balance, empathy and rigorous credit discipline, Kemp continues to shape a supportive environment where both clients and financial professionals thrive.
