Cordell native Brooke Gatlin will be formally sworn in as Washita County’s new Associate District Judge on January 9, 2023. Gatlin was elected earlier this year after running unopposed for the seat which became vacant due to the retirement of long-time Judge Chris Kelly.
Gatlin was born Brooke Henderson and was raised in Cordell. Gatlin is the daughter of Lori Henderson, of Cordell, and David and Allicia Henderson, of Hobart. She is the granddaughter of Marvin and Carol Sperle and Dorothy Wortham, of Cordell, and Annelle and the late Jack Henderson, of Hobart. Gatlin is a proud Blue Devil, Class of 2000. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2004 and went on to acquire her Juris Doctor at the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2007. Gatlin is married to Kyle Gatlin, originally of Sayre, and has three children, a 23 year old stepson, Rece Wilhelm, and 13 and 15 year old girls, Audrey and Elanor Gatlin. Gatlin also has a two-year-old grandson, Emerson. Gatlin in highly involved in her community. She is a member of the First Baptist Church of Cordell. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Cordell Chamber of Commerce.
Gatlin is a dedicated public servant who has spent her entire professional career seeking to better the communities in which she has lived. After her graduation from Law School, Gatlin worked for Oklahoma Child Support Services in Oklahoma City for five years. Gatlin joined the District Two District Attorney’s Office in July, 2012, quickly specializing in sex crimes, child victim crimes, domestic violence and juvenile law. Gatlin served as the Assistant District Attorney for Washita County beginning in early 2015.
Gatlin says her experiences make her uniquely qualified for a position on the Bench. “I feel that I am well equipped to serve Washita County in this new role. I will bring with me to the Bench an advanced knowledge of the law, gained through years of litigation. Perhaps more importantly, though, I will bring the ability to make decisions that are impartial and consistent, regardless of a person’s social status or background, even when that decision is difficult or unpopular.”
Gatlin’s swearing-in ceremony will occur on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 9:00 am at the Washita County Courthouse. A reception will follow. All are invited and welcome to attend.