Juan Gutierrez, Director of Public Relations & Marketing at Orange Coast College, was honored with the Community College Public Relations Organization 2023 All Pro award Thursday, April 13, in Los Angeles.
This lifetime achievement award is designated for the outstanding work and service to CCPRO of one California community college communicator. CCPRO California serves community colleges, public and governmental relations, marketing, and design professionals state-wide.
"I am honored and humbled to receive this award from my peers, whom I respect, and from an organization I love," Gutierrez said. "I have the best job in the world. I get to share excellent news and help celebrate the accomplishments of our outstanding students. I get to promote programs that truly change lives and partner with many worthwhile groups in our communities who share a mission to better the circumstances of so many."
Gutierrez stepped into his role at OCC in 2014 and has been the school's chief spokesman for the past nine years. He has led his team in community relations and multiple award-winning media campaigns in communication, design, marketing, and social media. Gutierrez has more than 21 years of experience in higher education in the California Community College system, including OCC, Pasadena City College, and Bakersfield College.
"It’s hard to think of a more deserving person for the All Pro award than Juan," Director, Marketing & Public Relations at Golden West College Andrea Rangno said. "He understands how important it is to stay at the forefront of marketing and public relations trends in higher education, and OCC has really benefited from that knowledge."
Gutierrez has held leadership and board roles in such organizations as Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO), National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR), Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA), Director of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, and a graduate of the Leadership Pasadena program. In 2013, THE Magazine of Pasadena honored Gutierrez as one of its 50 inspiring leaders.
"My heartfelt congratulations to Juan on receiving this well-deserved prestigious award," Orange Coast College President Angelica Suarez said. "It serves as a testament to his remarkable commitment to exhibiting the highest standards of excellence in the field of public relations, marketing, and communications."