Southern Gospel Music Guild Announces New Board Members

The Southern Gospel Music Guild (SGMG) and current Guild President, Elliott McCoy, has announced the officers who will serve the prestigious organization for the new year. Taking over at the helm in the President’s position, is long-time Down East Boys lead vocalist and manager, Ricky Carden.  Carden began his career in Southern Gospel Music when he joined the popular quartet at the tender age of 20, eventually taking over ownership of the group just a few years later. Under his leadership, the group has enjoyed numerous national radio hits, including 13 consecutive Top Five singles and six Number One hits over the past five years alone. “It’s an honor to be President of the SGMG,” Carden states. “I look forward to working with the great industry executives and groups that comprise the Guild to help further this music we all love.”

 

Joining Carden on the 2026 SGMG Board of Directors will be successful radio promoter, Rhonda Thompson, who will serve as Secretary. Todd Hames, CFO of (BSA) the Beckie Simmons Agency, will serve as Treasurer for the Guild during 2026. Prominent booking agent, Beckie Simmons, will serve as Membership Chairman. Newly elected Vice Presidents include Simmons, as well as Daywind Records President, Ed Leonard; Harper Agency President, Ed Harper; Singing News TV and Radio host, Joseph Reed; and respected recording artist, Donnie Williamson, who is also a long-time member of popular musical family, The Williamsons.

 

During a recent meeting when new officers were elected, the Guild paid tribute to pioneering music publisher, Judy Nelon, who served as Guild President for several years, naming the long-time supporter of Southern Gospel Music as Honorary Vice President.

 

The announcement of the new Board members comes on the heels of the recent launch of the Harmony Honors Radio program, now airing on Singing News Radio. As Carden explains, there are more exciting announcements to come from the Guild in the coming year. “We are always working to broaden and expand our genre to reach new people. As we approach the new year, even more than ever before, the Guild is striving to increase the visibility of Southern Gospel Music, and we believe we have a great team in place who will work together to achieve those goals.”