BOARD: Joe Guttierez

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. His professional expertise is recognized on a national scale; he has served on the American Corrections Association (ACA) Board of Governors and the Delegate Assembly, and he has chaired numerous national committees to establish federal standards for juvenile care and advocacy.

A legendary figure in Black Hills athletics, Joe was a standout linebacker and the first-ever psychology graduate at Black Hills State University, leading to his induction into the BHSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024. Joe has translated his own "playbook for life" into over 30 years of coaching and mentorship. Most recently, he served on the coaching staff for the St. Thomas More High School football team, helping guide the Cavaliers to an undefeated season and their historic, first-ever Class 11B State Championship in 2025.

Joe’s commitment to his community is reflected in his extensive leadership roles, including his service on the boards of the Gwendolyn Stearns Foundation, the Oyate Prevention Coalition, and the Adolescent Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) coalition. He is a co-author of the “Rights and Responsibilities Book for Young Adults in South Dakota” and was featured on the "Along the Way" series for his work with troubled youth. In recognition of his enduring civic contributions, Joe was honored in 2024 with the prestigious Liberty Bell Award, which recognizes non-lawyers who have significantly contributed to the community's understanding of the law and civic responsibility, and he has been named a “Champion for Children” by the South Dakota Coalition for Children. Joe holds a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology and an M.S. in Strategic Leadership from Black Hills State University.