Rick Gillund, the 2006 recipient of the George Warren Fuller Award, has never been one to sit by and watch the world go on without him.  When he isn’t collecting baseball memorabilia or following his favorite baseball team, the Minnesota Twins, he is dedicating his time to many volunteer boards.  He has or is serving on the North Dakota American Water Works Association, North Dakota Solid Waste Management, the Water Environment Association, the North Dakota Water and Pollution Control Conference, the North Dakota Public Works Association, as well as his local School Board and Volunteer Fire Department.  In additional to his volunteer roles, he was also instrumental in the development of the Wellhead Protection Program for his community.

Rick has always had a passion to learn whatever he can about public works. His career in public works began in 1983 at a water treatment plant.  His responsibilities expanded to Water Plant Superintendent and ultimately Public Works Director. He was recognized as the North Dakota Operator of the Year in 1999, the AWWA Meritorious Operator Service Award in 1994, and the President’s Service Award from the ND Water and Pollution Control in 2004.  

Born in Lisbon, he attended school in Enderlin where he excelled in basketball, football, and baseball. After high school graduation, he attended Valley City State.  In 1978 he married his wife Deb and together they have two daughters, Lindsey and Briana, and a son, Spencer.