Robert Gusinsky has been named chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in western South Dakota.
He replaces Judge Craig Pfeifle, who is retiring in June, according to a press release from the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Gusinsky was born in Latvia and came to the United States at the age of 13, later becoming a U.S. citizen in 1986.
He attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and became a pilot before later earning his law degree at the University of South Dakota.
Gusinsky served on the Seventh Judicial Circuit since 2013. Before that role, he served as an assistant U.S. attorney and worked in private practice in Rapid City.
“With a distinguished record of upholding the principles of justice and fairness, Judge Gusinsky brings invaluable expertise and a steadfast commitment to the judicial system,” Chief Justice Jensen said. “I am confident that Judge Gusinsky will be an outstanding leader for the Seventh Judicial Circuit and carry on the tradition of integrity and excellence in the Circuit.
The South Dakota constitution requires presiding judges be appointed by the Chief Justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court. The presiding judge oversees operations of the courts within the circuit. They also maintain full caseloads.
South Dakota is comprised of Seven Judicial circuits, with the seventh being comprised of Custer, Fall River, Oglala Lakota, and Pennington Counties.
Gusinsky begins his duties on April 1.