Nominees

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

SEAT 1

JOE GUTTIEREZ (SD) CANDIDATE PROFILE

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

JUVENILE

PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY

Joe Guttierez is a distinguished public servant, community leader, and Hall of Fame athlete who has spent over three decades as a champion for South Dakota’s youth. Currently serving as the Commander of the Western South Dakota Juvenile Services Center for the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Joe’s career is defined by his belief that positive choices lead to positive futures. A committed leader within the American Corrections Association (ACA) since 2011, he has consistently driven policy and reform at the highest levels. His leadership footprint includes serving on the Board of Governors (2019) and the Delegate Assembly (2024). A trusted voice in operational standards, Commander Guttierez has chaired or participated on numerous committees; Standards in the Use of Separation/Restrictive Housing (2018), chaired the Juvenile Corrections / Detention Committee, (2019) Definition of Criminal Justice Terms committee. (2024) ACA JDF standards committee and the ACA awards committee (2025). Recognized as a premier national voice on systemic reform, he was tapped in 2026 to serve as an expert panelist in Washington, D.C. for a high profile federal briefing on “Mental Health in Juvenile Justice Systems” His testimony directly informed civil rights reports delivered to Congress and the President regarding how confinement facilities navigate mental health services. His enduring civic contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2024 Liberty Bell Award for advancing the public's understanding of the law, and being named a “Champion for Children” by the South Dakota Coalition for Children. A proud alumnus of Black Hills State University, he holds a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology and an M.S. in Strategic Leadership.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

LEADERSHIP & EXPERTISE

Commander, Western South Dakota Juvenile Services Center 30+ Years in Juvenile Justice & Public Service Leadership Juvenile Corrections Operations & Youth Rehabilitation Mental Health Services in Juvenile Justice Systems Policy Reform & National Standards Development Strategic Leadership & Community Engagement

American Correctional Association Board of Governors & Delegate Assembly ACA Juvenile Corrections / Detention Committee Chair ACA Standards & Awards Committee Member National Advocate for Juvenile Justice & Mental Health Reform Champion for Children Award Recipient

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