Gov. Kay Ivey announces new leader for Alabama National Guard

Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a replacement for the retiring Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon as the adjutant general of the Alabama National Guard.

Gordon has served six years.

Thursday, Ivey announced Brig. Gen. David Pritchett as the next leader of the Alabama National Guard.

Ivey says she is thrilled Jefferson County native and Auburn alum General Pritchett will be returning to Alabama to serve as the adjutant general. He currently serves as director of the joint staff for the Wyoming National Guard.

“We are fortunate to have General Pritchett return to Alabama to serve at the helm of the National Guard. 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,” Ivey said in a statement.

“There is no better person to fill the shoes left by General Gordon, and I am proud General Pritchett will be joining us in the Ivey Administration. I look forward to working with him in the years to come to ensure Alabama always stands ready and is always there to protect and serve.”

Pritchett received his military start in 1988 in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in Bessemer, but has spent most of his years serving in the Alabama National Guard.

“I am grateful to Governor Ivey on my upcoming appointment to be the next adjutant general of the Alabama National Guard. This organization has a storied past of service to our great state and country,” said General Pritchett.

“Our Soldiers, Airmen and Civilians are prepared to face any challenge to ensure the safety of our citizens, protect critical infrastructure, and if necessary, to deploy overseas to fight and win our nation’s wars. I am both honored and humbled to be the next leader of the Alabama National Guard.”

He attended Auburn University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration. He also earned his Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. His training is extensive and includes Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Field Artillery Captains’ Career Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Fire Support Coordinators Course, Field Artillery Pre-Command Course, Air Defense Artillery Reclassification Course and Dual Status Commander’s Course.

The governor’s appointment of General Pritchett is effective January 1, 2024. The official change of command ceremony will be Friday, January 5, 2024.

— Information from the Office of Gov. Kay Ivey