Meet Tammy Kemp: Leadership You Can Reach
At Garrington Private Credit, we pride ourselves on offering more than capital. We offer partnership. That begins at the top with our President and Chief Credit Officer, Tammy Kemp.
In an industry often defined by distant decision-makers and rigid mandates, Tammy brings something different: accessibility, depth, and a hands-on approach that reflects our boutique DNA.
Tammy Kemp, President and Chief Credit Officer
From Risk to Leadership: A Career Spanning Three Decades
Tammy Kemp has spent over 30 years shaping the North American private credit landscape. Her path began in trade finance and asset-based lending, rising through the ranks of Canada’s most respected specialty lenders. Before joining Garrington in 2016, she held senior roles at Century Services and TCE Capital, where she was known for her sound credit judgment and collaborative leadership.
She joined Garrington as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer and became a key member of our investment committee. In January 2025, Tammy was appointed President of Garrington Capital, a recognition of her leadership and the trust she has earned across the firm.
As Toreigh Stuart, Managing Director of Garrington, shared at the time of her appointment:
“Tammy’s strategic vision and commitment to excellence have made her an invaluable leader within Garrington. Her appointment as President is a reflection of the confidence we have in her ability to drive our business forward while preserving the core values that set us apart.”
Boutique by Design: Where Investors Still Know Leadership
Tammy’s leadership reflects something increasingly rare in private credit: direct access to the people who shape the portfolio. She remains closely involved in credit reviews, leads the deal selection process, and chairs our internal investment committee.
While many funds operate with layers of separation between capital and decision-makers, Tammy maintains a strong presence with investors, advisors, and borrowers. Whether during diligence sessions, on-site visits, or strategic discussions, she brings clarity and conviction to every interaction.
As she puts it:
“We help businesses, owners, and communities grow and flourish one deal at a time. I never lose sight of the fact that real people are behind every loan we fund.”
Industry Recognition and Thought Leadership
Tammy was named one of the Top Women in Specialty Finance by ABF Journal in 2024, recognized for her mentorship, leadership, and industry innovation. Her contributions to the broader financial community include:
- IWIRC Canada, as a founding member of the chapter’s executive team
- Participating in the Secured Finance Network’s Education Committee, where she helps shape and deliver training for professionals in secured finance
- Past leadership roles in Canadian specialty finance associations
Tammy has also helped develop credit training programs, led industry discussions, and mentored professionals who now lead credit teams of their own.
A Leader Who Builds Trust from the Inside Out
What makes Tammy’s leadership stand out is not just her technical expertise but how she uses it to build people, culture, and long-term resilience.
She credits her mentors for encouraging her to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and take on challenges outside her comfort zone. Today, she applies those same principles in her leadership of the Garrington team. Her approach is rooted in substance, transparency, and the belief that strong teams create strong portfolios.
Why It Matters to Investors
In a market crowded with blind pools and opaque structures, Garrington offers something different:
- Transparent underwriting led by seasoned professionals
- Accountability from leadership you can actually speak with
- A portfolio strategy grounded in real-world experience and judgment
With Tammy Kemp at the helm, Garrington is not only managing risk. We are delivering institutional-quality performance with boutique firm access and alignment.
Connect With Us
If you would like to learn more about how Tammy and her team approach lending and portfolio construction, we invite you to connect with us.
At Garrington, leadership is not just a title. It is a relationship. And it is one we are proud to share with our investors every step of the way.
