Alaska USA Federal Credit Union on Monday said Bill Eckhardt, its longtime president and CEO, will be retiring in May.
Geoff Lundfelt, currently executive vice president, has been selected to succeed Eckhardt at that time.
Eckhardt has been president and CEO of Alaska USA since 1979. He is credited with having overseen "exponential growth and expansion," as the CU now has more than $6.6 billion in assets, more than 100 branches and service facilities in four states, nearly 2,000 employees, and serves some 600,000-plus members.
Eckhardt started his career at Alaska USA in 1971 as the operations manager. At that time, the credit union had only one facility, located in the basement of a military building on Elmendorf Air Force Base. It had $36 million in assets, 36 employees and served 25,411 members.
"It has been an honor to enjoy a long career serving the financial needs of members and to work with outstanding colleagues dedicated to providing members with service, value and convenience," Eckhardt said in a statement. "As I prepare for retirement, I am excited for the future of Alaska USA with Geoff Lundfelt at the helm."
Lundfelt, Eckhardt's successor, began his career at Alaska USA nearly 20 years ago. Lundfelt was a part-time teller before working his way up through branch administration. Lundfelt joined the executive staff at the credit union in 2006 and has since helped to guide strategic expansion and growth in geographically diverse markets.
"Bill has always led the charge for innovations that best serve the needs of members," said Lundfelt. "His commitment to member service is a tradition that I look forward to continuing."
Legacy of Firsts
According to Alaska USA, Eckhardt will be leaving behind an "impressive legacy of groundbreaking accomplishments." Alaska USA says it was the first credit union to offer 30-year mortgage loans, and one of the first to offer checking accounts, lines of credit, debit cards and credit cards.
During Eckhardt's tenure, Alaska USA was one of the first credit unions to establish an indirect lending program, a commercial lending department, participate in the secondary mortgage market, develop insurance and trust services, and create a dedicated member service call center that serves members nationally and internationally.
Under Eckhardt's leadership, Alaska USA created – and for 30 years operated – the regional ATM network, Alaska Option. Eckhardt also orchestrated the merger or acquisition of more than a dozen credit unions and half a dozen insurance agencies.
He served on the board of directors of the Credit Union National Association, was a founding member of the Filene Research Institute and served on the board of directors of CUNA Mutual Group. He also spent more than 35 years as a board member of the Alaska Credit Union League.
Eckhardt's contributions and leadership have been recognized many times over the years, both locally and nationally. He received the Horace Bremner Award from the Alaska Credit Union League in 1981 and again in 1991 for his exceptional service and contributions to Alaska's credit unions. For his dedication to those who serve our country, he was honored with the Civilian of the Year Award from the Alaska Armed Services YMCA in 2009.
Eckhardt also received the National Association of Federal Credit Unions' Professional of the Year Award in 2002, was inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders in 2011, and received the
