(The Center Square) – Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp named Bárbara Rivera Holmes as the next labor commissioner.
Holmes will serve out the remainder of a term for Bruce Thompson, who was in his first term when he died of cancer in November.
An Albany resident who heads the local chamber of commerce and its foundation, Holmes will be the first woman to lead the labor department.
“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. “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.”
Former Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Holmes to the Board of Regents in 2018. She also served on the House Rural Development Council during Kemp’s administration.
“I will advocate for good-paying jobs that tap into our state’s talent, ensure working conditions and protect secure benefits,” Holmes said in a news conference. “I’m grateful to Gov. Kemp for the opportunity to build on this work, pledging to always put Georgians first as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor.”
Holmes declined to say whether she would run for a full term in 2026, but Kemp answered for her.
‘Yes she’ll run and she’ll run as a Republican,” Kemp said.
Kemp thanked Louis DeBroux, who served as interim commissioner. He was Thompson’s chief of staff.
“Their hard work and uninterrupted commitment to the people of our state will not be forgotten,” Kemp said.
Holmes will be sworn in on April 1.
