In addition to his duties at Warinner, Gesinger & Associates, which has offices in Overland Park, Kan., and Federal Way, Wash., Gesinger served three nonconsecutive terms (1990-2003) on NTCA’s Associate Member Advisory Council and was instrumental in developing the council’s bylaws. He also was an active participant in developing the criteria and procedures for the Lifetime Achievement Award and served as the chair of the judging committee during the first four years the award was presented. Gesinger has spoken at numerous NTCA meetings, frequently participating in or moderating panels. Gesinger also is very active in several other telecom industry associations.

"Dick has earned the respect and gratitude of the rural telecommunications industry," said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Michael E. Brunner. "His contributions to our industry deserve to be recognized and acknowledged."

The NTCA Associate Member Lifetime Achievement Award was created to honor associate members who have performed extraordinary service for the benefit of the rural telecommunications industry in conjunction with NTCA membership. The award is presented to an individual currently or previously employed by an associate member company in recognition of effective leadership and long-term involvement in NTCA, along with outstanding accomplishments and contributions on behalf of small telecommunications companies on a local, state and national level.

The award will be presented in September at NTCA’s 2003 Fall Conference in Boston.