RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico — The National Association of Credit Union Chairs has named Paul Eikenberg, a board member of Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union, the recipient of its 2026 Leadership Award, recognizing nearly three decades of volunteer service and contributions to the credit union’s growth and community programs.
The award was presented Oct. 19 by NACUC Board Chair Luis Ramos, according to the association. It recognizes leaders for governance, innovation, community engagement and service to credit union members.
Eikenberg began volunteering with APGFCU in 1996 on its Community Involvement Committee, now called the Community Impact Committee. Under his direction, the committee committed the equivalent of one basis point of the credit union’s prior-year assets to local nonprofits and provided up to $75,000 annually in scholarships, NACUC said.
Elected to the board in 2011, Eikenberg later served as treasurer and vice chair before serving as board chair from 2019 to 2023. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped oversee a shift to remote work for about two-thirds of the credit union’s employees while maintaining member services, the association said.
Oversaw Charter Expansions
Over the period of his involvement, APGFCU completed charter expansions in 2003 and 2022. Its assets increased from approximately $300 million to more than $2.6 billion, while membership grew from about 64,000 to 185,000, according to NACUC.
“Paul Eikenberg exemplifies the kind of leadership this award was created to recognize,” Ramos said in a statement. “His commitment to sound governance, community service, and the long-term success of his credit union has made a lasting difference for members and the communities APGFCU serves.”
In accepting the honor, Eikenberg shared the recognition with other credit union leaders attending the event and thanked his wife, Anne, for supporting his board service, NACUC said.
Previous recipients of the award include Jim Hollingsworth in 2024 and Harlan Kimura in 2025.
NACUC, founded in 1976, provides education, peer collaboration and professional development for credit union board chairs and other governance leaders.
