Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen has announced the reappointment of Judge Robert Gusinsky as the Presiding Judge for the Seventh Judicial Circuit. This decision comes after Jensen's own reselection as Chief Justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court.
According to Article V, Section 11 of the South Dakota Constitution, presiding judges are appointed by the chief justice and serve at their discretion. These judges act as administrative heads for their circuits. The Seventh Judicial Circuit includes Custer, Fall River, Oglala Lakota, and Pennington counties.
Chief Justice Jensen praised Judge Gusinsky's performance: "In his short time as presiding judge of a large circuit, Judge Gusinsky has shown unwavering dedication to the principles of fairness and excellence in the judiciary." He further noted that "Judge Gusinsky is humble, fair, and has created an environment of dignity and respect for those entering the court system in the Seventh Judicial Circuit."
Judge Gusinsky's educational background includes an undergraduate degree in aeronautical engineering from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University obtained in 1990. His career path led him from being a commercial airline pilot and flight instructor to earning a juris doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1996. His professional journey includes working as a private practice lawyer until 2007, serving as an assistant U.S. Attorney until 2013, and being appointed a circuit court judge for the Seventh Judicial Circuit in 2013. He became presiding judge on April 1, 2024.