Travis Gartner
About Travis Gartner
Travis Gartner serves as the Chief of Party for the USAID Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Activity at Global Communities, where he leads initiatives to foster national identity in Sri Lanka. He has over 18 years of experience in project management and specializes in conflict prevention and stabilization programs across various regions.
Work at Global Communities
Travis Gartner currently serves as the Chief of Party for the USAID Social Cohesion and Reconciliation Activity at Global Communities. He has held this position since 2020, overseeing initiatives aimed at fostering social cohesion in Sri Lanka. His leadership includes directing a $19.5 million initiative focused on promoting a cohesive national identity within the region.
Previous Experience in International Development
Travis Gartner has extensive experience in international development, having held various roles across multiple organizations. He worked as Vice President of Business Development at AECOM International Development from 2015 to 2016. Prior to that, he served as Senior Director of Stability & Governance at Blumont, Inc. from 2010 to 2013, and as Chief of Party for the USAID Peace Through Development II program in Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso from 2012 to 2013.
Education and Expertise
Travis Gartner holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Rutgers University, achieved through the Peace Corps Masters International Program from 2001 to 2002. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Doane University between 1997 and 2001. Additionally, he studied Russian, Central European, East European, and Eurasian Studies at Corvinus University of Budapest in 1998, and completed a German Language and Literature program at Goethe Institut in 1999.
Background in Conflict Prevention and Stabilization
Travis Gartner has 18 years of experience in project management roles, focusing on conflict prevention and stabilization programs. His expertise includes adaptive management and political strategy, which he has applied in various regions including Africa, the Middle East, and South and Central Asia. He has directed the start-up, implementation, and close-out of multiple USAID programs, showcasing his ability to manage complex initiatives.
Military Service
Before entering the field of international development, Travis Gartner served in the US Marine Corps as a Non-Commissioned Officer from 1989 to 1993. This experience provided him with foundational skills in leadership and management, which he has carried into his subsequent career in development and conflict resolution.