Major General Sheryl Gordon is retiring after six years as adjutant general of the Alabama National Guard, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday.

Ivey named Brigadier General David Pritchett to replace Gordon. Pritchett, an Alabama native, is currently director of staff for the Wyoming National Guard.

Pritchett’s appointment is effective Jan. 1. The National Guard will hold a change of command ceremony on Jan. 5.

Ivey praised the leadership of Gordon, the first woman to lead the Alabama National Guard.

“In 2017, when I tapped General Gordon to serve as adjutant general of the Alabama National Guard, I noted she was a trailblazer and visionary leader,” Ivey said in a press release. “Her record throughout her tenure has proven that to be true, and I commend her for her service.

“While it is important to applaud her for being Alabama’s first female adjutant general, I am proudest of her decades of military service and steadfast leadership. I know General Gordon will continue contributing to this state we call home and our nation.”

Ivey commended Gordon for helping Alabama win the competition to become a National Guard home base for new F-35 fighter jets at the 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, as well as for providing Alabama National Guard support on the nation’s southern border.

“I’ve been blessed with a long career, and I am certainly proud of one constant effort, and that has been supporting and equipping the outstanding Soldiers and Airmen of Alabama,” Gordon said. “My greatest accomplishments have everything to do with the Guardsmen – the Guardsmen being promoted, awarded and achieving their dreams, goals and potential.

“I thank Governor Ivey for entrusting me with this duty. It has truly been the highest honor and pleasure to serve the nation’s finest men and women, and I wish General Pritchett even greater success in doing the same.”

Pritchett is a Jefferson County native and Auburn University graduate.

“We are fortunate to have General Pritchett return to Alabama to serve at the helm of the National Guard,” Ivey said. “His exceptional military experience and diverse leadership background will help us forge on with existing projects and missions and will help foster even more growth at the Alabama National Guard.”