JACKIE PATILLO
Throughout her career, Jackie Patillo has accepted a number of executive roles but titles alone obscure the strong presence of her many time-tested gifts. She is a unifier, encourager, organizer, motivator, and creative visionary.
Her 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 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 Patillo was invited to join Integrity Music and launch the formation of Integrity Gospel. With her guidance, she advanced the careers of well-known artists including Joe Pace and The Colorado Mass Choir, Israel and New Breed, Alvin Slaughter, Lisa McClendon, and Stephen Hurd.
In 2006 Patillo 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 Patillo accepted 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. She was elevated to President of the GMA and was honored on her 10 anniversary with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Dove Award, which will be awarded annually to an industry leader. With a small but dedicated staff, she oversees all aspects of the trade association. Taking a passed, present, future approach, the GMA shines a light on the rich history of our music. Patillo is a hands-on Co-executive producer of the Dove Awards which is viewed by over 3 million people annually on TBN, making it Gospel musics biggest night! Celebrating all styles of Christian & Gospel Music worldwide.
“Gospel music is more of a calling than a job for me,” says Patillo. “I am totally aligned with the mission of the GMA and am honored to serve those who are called to spread the gospel through music.”
Patillo was inducted into the Stellar Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2019. Inducted into the Source Women Behind the Music Hall of Fame in 2022. She serves as a trustee of the Gospel Music Trust Fund, Lipscomb Universities College of Entertainment and Artists Advisory Board, Leadership Music Board and Studio Bank Founders Advisory Board. She is a voting member of the Grammy's and is a member of the Love Justic International Board, addressing the plight of human trafficing around the world.