New GA Labor Commissioner To Make History When Sworn In

ATLANTA, GA — Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday appointed Bárbara Rivera Holmes as the new Georgia Department of Labor commissioner, succeeding the late Bruce Thompson.

Thompson died in November, months after a reported pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Kemp's move makes history with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporting Holmes "will be the first Latina to hold statewide constitutional office in Georgia."

Holmes, who is the president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, will be sworn in on April 4. She is also the CEO of the Albany Area Chamber Foundation, according to a news release from Kemp's office.

"Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to creating opportunities and building stronger communities by fostering partnerships and statewide alliances that drive job growth, tap into our state’s talent and enhance Georgia’s competitiveness," Holmes said in the release.

"I’m grateful to Governor Kemp for the opportunity to build on this work, pledging to always put Georgians first as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. I look forward to working alongside my fellow constitutional officers and Team Georgia as champions of our great state."

RELATED: GA Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson Dies At 59

Holmes, who will complete Thompson's term, plans to run for her own four-year term in 2026, she told the AJC.

"Yes, she'll run," Kemp said at a news conference. "Yes, she'll run as a Republican."

In the past, she has served as vice president of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and was a senior business writer at media outlet The Albany Herald, according to the release.

Her work at the Herald garnered her four Georgia Press Association awards, and in 2018, then-Gov. Nathan Deal appointed her to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, according to the release.

Other accolades included serving as co-chair of the Georgia Innovates Task Force and being appointed to the House Rural Development Council.

"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," Kemp said in the release.

"As someone who has a proven track record of success in economic development and education, I know she will bring the same level of dedication to this position that she has to the people of Dougherty County and the surrounding area. I wish her continued success, both for her career and office, but especially on behalf of the hardworking people of Georgia."