08/25/2026
After a decade of faithful service as the Executive Director of the South Carolina Troopers Association Mark Gosnell retired August 1, 2026. With his absence, Highway Patrol Major Scott Watford has succeeded Gosnell as head of the SCTA.
Following a year of service as a deputy with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Department, Gosnell joined the SC Highway Patrol in 1983, where he served for 33 years. Over the course of his career with SCHP, he served as a public information officer, instructor in the SCHP Training Unit, and member of the Emergency Traffic Management Unit.
In 2016, Gosnell retired as a major and went on to assume the role of Executive Director of SCTA. Under his leadership, the Trooper’s Association has since undergone significant renovations, started a corporate sponsorship program, and created the SCTA Foundation to provide benefits and resources to troopers and their families.
“I know I’m leaving the Trooper’s Association in capable hands,” Gosnell said. “I have all the confidence in the world in Scott and the entire team to continue the work and take SCTA to the next chapter.”
Thank you, Executive Director Gosnell, for your years of dedicated service and support of our troopers. Best wishes and congratulations on your retirement!
