ATLANTA, Ga. (WALB) - Former Albany Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Bárbara Rivera Holmes, was sworn into state office this afternoon by Governor Brian Kemp.

Rivera Holmes is now officially the Labor Commissioner of Georgia. She was appointed by Gov. Kemp to fill this role on March 18, following the death of the previous Labor Commissioner, Bruce Thompson.

Rivera Holmes is making history today, becoming the first woman of Hispanic descent to hold a statewide office in Georgia. She is the seventh woman to do so.

Rivera Holmes told WALB she hopes to build on her experience as a leader in Albany in her new role.

She said, “As labor commissioner, I’m going to build on my strengths and organizational transformation and efficiencies. Building teams and moving project initiatives forward. Working with strategic partners and decision makers on smart policies that create opportunities and prosperity for all Georgians.”

Rivera Holmes also confirmed that she plans to run for a full term as Labor Commissioner in 2026. She said she will run as a republican.

As Labor Commissioner, Rivera Holmes will lead the Georgia Department of Labor. The department’s responsibilities include administration of Georgia’s unemployment insurance, reemployment services, provision of workforce information to the public and private sectors, and oversight of child labor issues.

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