The ceremony held at the state Capitol in Atlanta for the new Georgia Labor Commissioner.
Governor Brian Kemp has appointed Bárbara Rivera Holmes as Georgia’s new labor commissioner, making her the first woman of Hispanic descent to hold a statewide office in the state. Rivera Holmes steps in after the passing of former commissioner Bruce Thompson, bringing extensive experience in workforce development. As the state’s unemployment rate stands at a low 3.6%, her role will be crucial in promoting job opportunities and addressing challenges within the Georgia Labor Department.
In an exciting turn of events for the state of Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp has appointed Bárbara Rivera Holmes as the new labor commissioner. This significant milestone is noteworthy as Rivera Holmes becomes the first woman of Hispanic descent to hold a statewide office in Georgia’s history. How’s that for breaking barriers!
This appointment comes after the sad passing of former Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson, who tragically lost his battle with stage four pancreatic cancer in November. With Rivera Holmes stepping into this role, she will not only honor his legacy but also tackle various challenges that the Georgia Labor Department is presently facing.
At just 45, Rivera Holmes is the seventh woman overall to take on a statewide office in Georgia. Notably, if we look at the broader picture, John King previously blazed the trail as the first Hispanic man to hold a statewide office in Georgia. This continued movement toward diversity in government is a positive sign for the Peach State’s evolving political landscape.
Gov. Kemp’s decision to appoint Rivera Holmes aligns with the broader necessity for the Republican Party to connect with a more diverse electorate. As demographics shift and the state becomes increasingly mixed, these appointments signal a promising step forward to resonate with all Georgians.
Governor Kemp made the announcement during a ceremony held at the state Capitol in Atlanta, where he praised Rivera Holmes’s “unique skill set” in workforce development and education—two crucial areas in today’s job market. Her extensive experience includes serving on the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia since 2018, appointed by former Governor Nathan Deal. This connection to educational oversight can be a significant asset as she steps into her new role.
The Georgia Labor Department, which Rivera Holmes will now lead, has a vital mission. It not only manages unemployment insurance claims but also assists individuals in finding jobs. Given the current economic context, this task is more critical than ever.
On a practical level, the new commissioner faces a department grappling with its own set of hurdles. Earlier this year, former Commissioner Thompson noted a shocking reality—over $105 million in funds that should have been returned to the state treasury were left unaccounted for. This situation calls for immediate attention, and Rivera Holmes appears to be ready to roll up her sleeves.
Since Thompson’s death, Louis DeBroux, the chief of staff, has been serving as the interim commissioner. Rivera Holmes is set to serve out the rest of Thompson’s term until early 2027, during which time she plans to run for a full term as a Republican in the elections of 2026.
In a state where the unemployment rate stands at a low 3.6%, below the national average of 4.1%, promoting job opportunities is paramount. With a whopping 296,000 job openings across Georgia, it translates to about three available jobs for every job seeker. It’s an encouraging environment for job seekers, and Rivera Holmes aims to keep it that way, emphasizing her commitment to advocate for good-paying jobs, safe working conditions, and strong benefits for workers.
Rivera Holmes hails from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is proud to be bilingual, further enriching her communication abilities within an increasingly diverse Georgia. Additionally, her title as one of Georgia’s “50 Most Influential Latinos” showcases her leadership and influence in the community. Rivera Holmes has also served as the president of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce since 2015, a role from which she announced her resignation effective March 28 to fully embrace her new responsibilities.
As she prepares to be sworn in on April 4, 2023, the state is abuzz with anticipation about what this change will bring. Gov. Kemp expressed confidence in Rivera Holmes’s capability to galvanize the labor department as she puts her experience into action. With her at the helm, Georgia may just find itself navigating towards brighter economic prospects and inclusive opportunities.
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