For the first time ever, a woman will hold the top spot in the Alabama National Guard.

Gov. Kay Ivey today named Major General Sheryl Gordon as adjutant general. Major General Perry Smith is retiring from the position.

"General Sheryl Gordon is a trailblazer and visionary leader," Ivey said in a press release.

Gordon has risen through the ranks of the guard. She became a second lieutenant in 1981, a brigadier general in 2009 and a major general in 2011.

Gordon is the civilian Executive Director of the National Guard Association of Alabama. Previously, she has served as the guard's deputy adjutant general, (2011-2013), commander of the 62nd Troop Command (2009-2011), and garrison commander of the Ft. McClellan Training Center (2007-2009).

Gordon said she was humbled Ivey's decision.

"Being chosen to serve in this capacity is a great honor and is a responsibility I do not take lightly," Gordon said. "However, I am confident my previous assignments have prepared me for this task."

Ivey thanked Smith for his service.

"I am thankful for the honorable leadership of General Smith," Ivey said. "I wish him well in retirement."

Gordon takes over the position on August 1.

The announcement marks the latest change in a series of changes in Ivey's cabinet since she replaced Robert Bentley as governor on April 10.