Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union (ACFCU) recently announced the retirement of Andrew J. Mullins III, President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 31, 2026, concluding a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years in financial services and lending across Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.

The ACFCU Board of Directors has appointed Paul G. Penland as Mullins’ successor. Penland will serve as President and CEO Designate until Mullins’ retirement, at which time he will officially assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mullins joined ACFCU in August 2020 as Chief Lending Officer and later became President and CEO in 2023.  He began his career in financial services in 1980 at Cumberland Bank and Trust in Clintwood, Virginia, and also served as Chief Retail Officer and Senior Vice President for a local community bank.

“Andy’s leadership, integrity, and deep understanding of our communities have made a lasting impact on ACFCU,” said Joe Boggs, Chair of the ACFCU Board of Directors. “We are grateful for his decades of service to our region and for the strong foundation he has built for the future.”

Paul Penland brings more than 40 years of banking and financial leadership experience to ACFCU. He most recently served as Chief Credit Officer and Senior Vice President at First Community Bank of East Tennessee, where he was responsible for credit policy, risk management, regulatory compliance, and oversight of commercial and retail lending operations. His career also includes senior leadership roles with SunTrust Bank and First American National Bank, along with extensive experience in commercial lending, credit administration, and community banking.

“Paul’s depth of experience, leadership style, and commitment to sound financial stewardship make him an excellent choice to lead ACFCU into the future,” added Boggs. “This planned transition ensures continuity and positions our credit union for long-term success.”

Mullins will remain actively involved through the transition period, working closely with Penland to ensure a seamless transfer of leadership.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished at ACFCU and confident the organization is well positioned for the future,” said Mullins. “Paul is a respected leader with a strong understanding of our market and our mission, and I look forward to supporting him during this transition.”

A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Penland resides in Kingsport with his wife, Sandra.  They are the parents of two adult children, John (Allison) and Michelle.

About Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union

Originally formed by the employees of Mead Paper Mill (Domtar) in Kingsport, Tenn., in 1932, Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union serves any persons who live, work, worship or attend school in Carter, Hawkins, Sullivan, Unicoi or Washington Counties, Tennessee, the city of Bristol, TN/VA, the city of Norton, VA, Wise, Scott and Washington Counties, Virginia, Jackson, Clinton, McCreary, and Wayne Counties, Kentucky, as well as other designated entities. 

Headquartered in downtown Kingsport, Tenn., ACFCU is a full-service not-for-profit financial cooperative with each member’s deposits insured up to $250,000 by the NCUA.  Branch locations include Church Hill, Johnson City, Rogersville, and Kingsport, Tenn., and Norton, Va.  Follow ACFCU on Facebook at www.facebook.com/myacfcu, Instagram at www.instagram/myacfcu , TikTok at www.Tiktok.com/@myacfcu or X at www.twitter.com/myacfcu.  For more information, visit www.myACFCU.org.