Governor Brian P. Kemp has appointed Bárbara Rivera Holmes as the new Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. She will be sworn into office on April 4th, filling the position left vacant by Bruce Thompson, who passed away in November 2022.
“Marty and I are proud to make this historic announcement and to congratulate Bárbara Rivera Holmes on her new leadership role that will benefit our entire state,” said Governor Kemp. He emphasized her proven success in economic development and education, stating his confidence in her dedication to the people of Georgia.
Governor Kemp also expressed gratitude to Louis DeBroux and the Department of Labor’s leadership team for their efforts following Thompson’s death. “Their hard work and uninterrupted commitment to the people of our state will not be forgotten,” he said.
Holmes herself commented on her appointment: “Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to creating opportunities and building stronger communities by fostering partnerships and statewide alliances that drive job growth.” She pledged to prioritize Georgians in her new role.
Former Governor Nathan Deal praised Holmes as an excellent choice, citing her experience in economic development, workforce, and higher education. Lt. Governor Burt Jones echoed these sentiments, noting her background as President and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.
The appointment was well-received by other state leaders. Speaker of the House Jon Burns highlighted Holmes’ experience in economic development as invaluable for strengthening Georgia’s workforce. Attorney General Chris Carr acknowledged her advocacy for workforce development and combating fraud.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper welcomed Holmes’ understanding of agriculture’s significance to Georgia families. Insurance Commissioner John King anticipated positive changes under her leadership due to her experience with Georgian challenges.
Public Service Commission Chairman Jason Shaw described Holmes as a champion for South Georgia with a solid base in community service and economic development. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger commended both Holmes’ impact on Southwest Georgia and DeBroux’s interim leadership.
State School Superintendent Richard Woods looked forward to collaborating with Holmes on education and workforce issues. University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue noted her understanding of talent flow from universities into industry.
Holmes currently serves as President and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and its foundation, focusing on solving business challenges and building a modern workforce. Her previous roles include Vice President at the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (ADEDC) and senior business writer at The Albany Herald, where she received several journalism awards.
Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Holmes holds degrees in Journalism and Spanish from Florida Southern College. She resides in Albany with her family.
