A long time supporter and friend of Trojan Athletics, Gwatney served in the Arkansas State Senate from 1992 until 2003. He championed many causes most notably the Patient Protection Act, allowing patients the right to choose their doctor from willing providers. In addition, he was extremely instrumental in the legislation leading to ethics reform in Arkansaspolitics.

He served as Finance Chairman for Governor Mike Beebe's campaign for Governor and subsequently became the Governor's choice to lead the Democratic Party of Arkansas. Gwatney was elected Chairman of that organization and was chosen to be a Super Delegate at last year's Democratic National Convention.

Gwatney's corporate background centered around his family's business ? first as Executive Vice President of First National Bank of Jacksonville and then in the automobile industry.  As a very successful automobile dealer, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Gwatney's Little Rock Auto Group, owning three dealerships in Jacksonville, North Little Rock and Little Rock.

Gwatney graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1977 and went on to earn a bachelor's of administration degree from the University of Arkansas in 1981. He was very active in his hometown of Jacksonville serving on numerous civic boards and public commissions. He was past president of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, was a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and served on the board of First Arkansas Bank and Trust. He also received the Distinguished Citizens Award from the United States Air Force Military Command. He was an avid golfer, ardent sports fan and enthusiastic supporter of the UALR Trojans for more than 25 years.