TRAVIS GATSON

Travis Gatson was born in the "Windy City" of Chicago, IL. He grew up in the Chicago suburb of Wheaton. His family is originally from Pulaski, Tennessee. As a young man, Travis took immeasurable pleasure in sports during his time at Wheaton Central High School. After high school, he studied briefly at the El Camino College in Torrance, California. Travis chose to both see the world and give honor to this great country by joining the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1985 but continues to serve each day in his heart as a real marine should. After arriving in the great State of Georgia, Travis began working for the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department. He served there with great zeal and was promoted several times during his tenure. In 2011, Travis retired as a Captain with the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department. Travis was also a business owner of a gourmet popcorn shop with his beautiful wife Patsy.
Travis accepted and answered the call to ministry in 2001. He became the Assistant Pastor of the Suwanee Parish UMC in 2009 and served there until 2013. In 2013 Pastor Travis was appointed senior pastor of Travis Chapel UMC in Cleveland, Ga. He served Travis Chapel UMC for seven years.
On January 1, 2019 the Solicitor General of Gwinnett County Brian Whiteside, appointed Travis to Chief Investigator of the Gwinnett County Solicitor’s Office. This appointment made Travis the first African-American Police Chief in Gwinnett County history. Travis proudly served as the Chief Investigator for the Gwinnett County Solicitors office through December, 2022. Travis has faithfully supported his wife, three adult children, and four grandchildren who all reside in Gwinnett. His wife, Patsy Austin-Gatson was elected the first African American and first woman District Attorney in Gwinnett County history in 2021 where she is serving in her first term. To God be the Glory for all he has done!