Jackie Patillo

A native Californian, Jackie Patillo’s professional introduction to the music business began in 1989 when she was hired by Star Song Communications to develop Christian and Gospel products. She signed and was instrumental in launching the careers of Sierra and the legendary trio Phillips, Craig & Dean. She was promoted to Vice President in 1995 and later launched Star Song’s Gospel division. Two years later Benson Music Group recruited her to its A&R department, utilizing her creative skills to bring to the forefront emerging artist Natalie Grant. In 2001 Jackie was invited to join Integrity Music and launch the formation of Integrity Gospel, where she advanced the careers of such wellknown artists including Joe Pace and T he Colorado Mass Choir, Israel and New Breed, Alvin Slaughter, Lisa McClendon, and Stephen Hurd. In 2006 Jackie packed her bags for New York at the invitation of Max Siegel, head of Verity Records. Working as Vice President of A&R and Artist Development, she led the creative division of the largest Gospel music company in the world. Adapting to the times, she revamped her staff and quickly saw the cross-over success of Marvin Sapp’s gold-certified hit “Never Could Have Made It.” She was a champion for Verity artists Byron Cage, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Kurt Carr, Dave Hollister, and others. In late 2010 Jackie returned to Nashville to accept the assignment of Executive Director of the Gospel Music Association and GMA Foundation committing her gifts to be an advocate for all Christian and Gospel music makers. With a small but dedicated staff, she oversees all aspects of the trade association. Taking a past, present, future approach, the GMA shines a light on the rich history of gospel music through its GMA Honors event; educates future artists through IMMERSE a three-day music training program and celebrates current artists with the GMA Dove Awards. Jackie is a hands-on executive producer of the Dove Awards which is viewed by over 1.5 million people annually on TBN, making it Gospel music’s biggest night celebrating all styles of Christian & Gospel Music worldwide.