Margaret Gutierrez, a proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (Oklahoma), brings a breadth of experience and expertise encompassing emergency services, public health, homeland security, department administration, and tribal connectivity to her various roles. As the first Tribal graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School's Center for Homeland Defense and Security program, Margaret has been a pioneering advocate for tribal communities' safety and well-being for over two decades.
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Margaret's professional journey includes distinguished service as the Director of Emergency Services for a Tribal Government, as well as numerous consulting opportunities where she refined her skills in emergency management and public health. Since 2012, Margaret has served as an instructor for FEMA's Emergency Management
Institute, shaping the future of emergency response. Additionally, she has been a respected Professor in the School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management at Cal State University Long Beach since 2015. In 2024, Margaret expanded her teaching endeavors to include the Emergency Management Program at Pierce College, focusing specifically on the Tribal emergency management certificate program.
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As the owner and operator of Sovereign Safety Solutions, Margaret dedicates herself to emergency management and public health planning tailored to the unique needs of tribes. Her unwavering commitment to enhancing tribal resilience and preparedness underscores her comprehensive approach to serving indigenous communities. Margaret's singular focus is ensuring that tribes have an advocate who comprehends their distinct needs and navigates complex planning processes with skill and sensitivity.
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Margaret firmly believes in the importance of cultivating strong relationships with tribal communities and confronting challenges with transparency and integrity. Her steadfast dedication to advocating for tribal interests, combined with her vast experience and knowledge, positions her as a formidable leader in tribal emergency management, public health planning, and department administration.
