|PIC1|Daywind artist Karen Peck Gooch became the very first female president of the Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) last week during an annual meeting held at the National Quartet Convention.

The SGMA is a non-profit corporation formed as an association of Southern Gospel singers, songwriters, fans, and industry workers. Membership is acquired and maintained through payment of annual dues.

The SGMA was formed in 1994, and states that its primary goal is “to preserve, protect and promote Southern Gospel music, its history and heritage”.

Karen Peck Gooch expressed, “I am very honored to be the first woman president for the SGMA. I've been traveling professionally for 29 years.

"I have had the privilege and honor to travel with two of the greatest men in Southern Gospel Music, Rex Nelon and Alphus LeFevre (SGMA) Hall of Fame Inductees).

"My heart’s desire is to see this industry grow and to see the heritage of Southern Gospel music preserved.”