Barbara Rivera Holmes is set to become the first Latina to hold a statewide constitutional office in Georgia. On Tuesday, Gov. Brian Kemp appointed the Albany resident as state labor commissioner. Holmes succeeds Bruce Thompson, who died in November from pancreatic cancer.
Holmes, who most recently served as president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, will be sworn in on April 4. She will serve the remainder of Thompson’s unexpired term.
“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,” Kemp said in a statement. “I wish her continued success, both for her career and office, but especially on behalf of the hardworking people of Georgia.”
Kemp also thanked Louis DeBroux and the leadership team at the Department of Labor for their work in keeping the department moving forward after Thompson’s death.
Decades of experience
According to the governor’s office, Holmes has more than two decades of experience in economic development, workforce development, and higher education. Prior to her role at the Albany Area Chamber, she served as Vice President of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (ADEDC). Before that, Holmes was the senior business writer for The Albany Herald, where she earned four Georgia Associated Press awards for excellence in journalism.
In 2018, then-Governor Nathan Deal appointed Holmes to the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents. She also served as co-chair of the Georgia Innovates Task Force, and earlier this year, Governor Brian Kemp appointed her to the House Rural Development Council.
“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. “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.”
Praise for Holmes
Holmes’ appointment was met with praise.
Deal called her an “excellent choice,” while Lt. Gov. Burt Jones said her experience makes her a “great fit” for the role.
“The Georgia House is incredibly excited to welcome Bárbara Rivera Holmes into her new role as Commissioner of Labor,” Speaker of the House Jon Burns said. “Her wealth of experience in economic development and small business advocacy will undoubtedly be invaluable as we continue our efforts to strengthen Georgia’s workforce in every corner of the state.”
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said he looks forward to working with Holmes to help Georgia farmers.
“As a longtime resident of Albany, I know Bárbara has a deep understanding of Georgia’s No. 1 industry, and she knows that for Georgia’s farm families, agriculture is more than just a job or a hobby – it is our way of life,” Harper said. “I’m excited to welcome Barbara to our fantastic team of Constitutional Officers, and I look forward to working together to deliver for Georgia farmers and consumers alike,” Harper said.
Attorney General Chris Carr likewise praised Holmes’ commitment to economic development and her work combating fraud and cybercrimes.
“We’re proud to join in congratulating her on this historic appointment, and we look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that Georgia remains the best place to live, work, and build a business,” Carr said.
A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Holmes is fluent in Spanish. She graduated as a double major from Florida Southern College, where she studied Journalism and Spanish.
Holmes lives in Albany with her husband, David, and their daughter.
