Charles Alston, a long-time volunteer and board member of APGFCU, passed away on January 7, 2025. He began his volunteer service in 1988 and served on the board from 1991 until 2021, remaining a volunteer until 2023. During his tenure, he held the positions of vice chairman (four years) and treasurer (two years), and was a member of the Community Involvement; Credit Appeals; Human Resources; Nominating; Planning, Budget, and Asset Liability Management; Technology; and Volunteer Recruitment committees.
While he served, Charles witnessed the credit union’s remarkable growth from approximately $175 million in assets and 42,500 members in 1988 to nearly $2.3 billion in assets and over 157,000 members by 2023. He often attributed the credit union’s success to its dedication to the "People Helping People" philosophy and its strong commitment to the community.
Charles was an advocate for both youth and senior citizens. He championed education and providing opportunities for students, such as the credit union’s internship program. He promoted wealth-building and APGFCU services to Aberdeen Proving Ground’s Golden Age Club, with which he was actively involved. He also worked diligently to recruit and mentor new credit union volunteers.
In 1993, Charles led the effort to establish a local chapter of Habitat for Humanity within the credit union’s field of membership. Over its 31-year history, Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna has completed more than 100 construction projects, assisting over 1,400 families through its homeownership, repair, and financial literacy programs.
Professionally, Charles served as a senior research analyst with the Office of the Technical Director at the Army Material System Analysis Activity (AMSAA). He was instrumental in laying the foundation for a multi-agency task force to recruit minorities for the scientist and engineer career fields. This program received high acclaim from the U.S. Army and Material Command and the Baltimore Federal Executive Board.
Charles was a life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and co-founded the Iota Nu Chapter of Harford and Cecil Counties. The chapter supports the community by providing scholarships and tutoring services at the Boys and Girls Clubs. An active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Charles served as a deacon, chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee, advisor to the Scholarship Committee, and a Sunday school teacher.
Charles was recognized for his contributions to the credit union movement and was inducted into the African-American Credit Union Coalition’s (AACUC) Hall of Fame in 2019. This honor is bestowed upon individuals who have served in the credit union movement for over 10 years, worked to provide financial services to people, and achieved at least four significant accomplishments that improved African Americans' access to financial capital.
Charles was married to Mildred Hayes Alston for 60 years, with whom he had two children and one grandchild.