2024 American Correctional Association Election Booklet

2024 ELECTION

Delegate Assembly

Oscar Mendoza (TX) Deputy Executive Director Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Oscar Mendoza has worked over 43 years for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Mendoza began his career in 1979 as a correctional officer and then advanced through the security ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and major. Mendoza also has over 27 years management/ leadership experience including 16 years as a warden, one year as a regional director, three years as deputy director and over three years as a division director. In August of 2016, Mendoza was selected to serve as the agency’s Deputy Executive Director. Mendoza earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Kaplan University and is an active member of the Texas Corrections Association and American Correctional Association in which he currently serves on the Delegate Assembly in the area of “Correction al Administration (Adult).

Delegate Assembly — Correctional Administration (Juvenile) (2 Positions)

Joe Guttierez (SD) Commander Western South Dakota Juvenile Services Center

Joe Guttierez has held the position of regional supervisor for the South Dakota Department of Corrections and has served as the Commander of the Western South Dakota Juvenile Services Cen ter for the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office in Rapid City, South Dakota since 2011. Guttierez holds a master’s degree in Strategic Leadership from Black Hills State University and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology. He is a current member of the ACA Board of Governors, Chaired the Juvenile Committee, member of Juvenile Standards in the Use of Separation/Restrictive Housing; and the Definition of Criminal Justice Terms. Guttierez was appointed to the Governor’s Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Initia tive Native American Focus Group.

Jennifer Torchia (AZ) Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Pima County Juvenile Court

Jennifer Torchia has served Pima County Juvenile Court in various capacities: initially as a Juvenile Detention Officer in 1998 to her current position as Chief Juvenile Probation Officer/ Deputy Court Administrator. She has a Master’s in Public Administration from Northern Arizona University. Jennifer conducted PREA Audits and assisted other counties with their audits. Torchia oversaw program development in Detention ensuring promotion of skill development in detained youth, partnered with Davis Monthan Air Force Base to provide role models to youth, investigations regarding alleged staff misconduct, and juvenile rights violations.

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2024 ACA Election