2024 AWARD WINNERS

Debbie Richter stands as the epitome of a deserving candidate for the Distinguished Western Star Award in the Williston area. With unwavering dedication, she has tirelessly promoted Williston as an exceptional place to live and work through her extensive personal and professional efforts. Debbie's role as a driving force behind the North Dakota Pageant showcases her commitment to highlighting the talent and potential within the community. Her influential role in Leadership Williston has played a key part in fostering leadership skills and community growth. As an Ambassador for the Chamber, Debbie has not only represented the organization with grace but has actively contributed to its mission of building a thriving community. Beyond her professional achievements, Debbie Richter is an incredible support to her husband, David Richter, embodying the values of family and community. The Distinguished Western Star Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Chamber, would not only recognize her exceptional efforts but also serve as a testament to her positive attitude, constant dedication, and relentless promotion of Williston's people and resources. Debbie Richter is undeniably a shining star in the Williston community, and her contributions make her an outstanding recipient of this prestigious award.

Melanie has served at the President/CEO of Western Cooperative Credit Union for over 20 years. Within that time, WCCU has grown to 8 branches throughout Western North Dakota, our assets have grown, along with loans out to members who need them. We have also grown from 59 employees to 101. Taking the leaps of faith and merging with other smaller credit unions to provide the services the members need is truly what a good leader understands and takes on.

Meriel is a transplant to the area whose musical talents were immediately recognized within the community. Initially serving on the faculty at Trinity Christian School, he became the music director at First Lutheran Church where he started the nonprofit Harmonic Creative World. His connections brought in world-class musicians to educate students in the Williston Area. Students under the age of 18 receive free lessons due to his efforts and his commitment to furthering the music culture in Williston is commendable. Meriel married a Williston native and is now a first-time dad, planting his roots in the community and establishing a promising future for the next generation of Williston.

Rachel Linn, putting her heart and soul behind The Giving Tree, deserves to be recognized with the Community Engagement Award. Day in and day out for the whole month of December, Rachel works tirelessly to ensure that over 400 kids experience the magic of finding a present under the tree during the holidays. Her commitment goes far beyond the ordinary; Rachel is the organizational genius behind the scenes, making certain that every gift is not just a present, but a cherished moment for each child. What sets her apart is her selfless dedication – she goes above and beyond, dipping into her own pockets to make sure no child is left without a smile. Rachel exemplifies the true spirit of community engagement, turning the holiday season into a time of joy and warmth for hundreds of families. Her passion, compassion, and relentless efforts make her the perfect candidate for the Community Engagement Award, recognizing her as a shining example of someone who brings the true spirit of giving to life in our community.

Cory has been amazing as Chair of the County Commission this past iteration. He has always been approachable and is very well-spoken when working with news media to help advocate the counties message to the general public. Cory is the very embodiment of what working with constituents is all about.

Dr. Audrey Kalil has made significant contributions to the agriculture industry through her research and advocacy as a Plant Pathologist at the Williston Research Extension Center.

Dr. Kalil has a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BS in Biology from the University of Minnesota. She has spent her education and career studying plants and agriculture.
In her role, she leads an applied research program that's all about disease management in various crops like durum wheat, canola, peas, lentils, and chickpeas. She also performs research to improve disease management in pulse crops primarily focused on root rots of peas and lentils and Ascochyta blight of chickpeas. She also conducts on-farm field assessments, helps local agronomists, and secures competitive grants for research and education efforts. She is currently leading the North Central IPM Center pulse crop working group, collaborating with researchers and industry partners worldwide.
She currently serves on the WACC Agriculture Committee. Through this organization, she contributes to local ag events such as the annual "Farm to Table" and "Special Assignment Pizza" an ag educational event for area 4th graders.
Dr. Kalil was selected to participate as part of “Class X” for the Rural Leadership North Dakota class. The Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) Program is a 18-month dynamic leadership development program offered through NDSU Extension. This is a highly sought after program that includes a highly competitive application process. 
She was recently featured for her work by the USA Pulses for her ground breaking research on root rot in lentils and chickpeas. Please see her featured article here: https://www.usapulses.org/pulsed/pulsed-blog/pulse-pest-profile-with-dr-audrey-kalil-plant-pathologist-at-north-dakota-state-university-s-williston-research-extension-center
In addition to her research and community outreach, she has served in the role as an expert witness for high profile litigation cases across the United States for agriculture based plant pathology cases. She is known as an expert in her field and is well respected by her peers. 
Dr. Kalil currently leads the North Central IPM Center Pulse Crops Working Group that produces a podcast covering a variety of topics including agronomics, disease and weed management, inoculation, soil health, and pulse crop markets.You can access the podcast at the website https://www.growingpulsecrops.com/. 
In 2022, Dr. Kalil was a featured panelist for the Williston Chamber of Commerce’s “Women in Leadership” Expo.
In 2021, Dr. Kalil was recognized for the 2021 Excellence Award given by the Northern Pulse Growers Association for her advancement in the agricultural field. 
Dr. Kalil has had a variety of scientific articles published in her field through her various research projects.