The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce announced that it has entered into a management partnership with the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (ADEDC), and that through that partnership, Bárbara Rivera Holmes, vice president of the ADEDC, will serve as the chamber’s interim president and CEO.

The announcement comes after the resignation last week of Chris Hardy as president and CEO of the chamber.

The management partnership allows the ADEDC to manage the day-to-day operations of the chamber for a period of three months. During this time, Holmes will continue in her role at the ADEDC.

“The chamber and the Albany-Dougherty EDC have a long, respectful and supportive relationship. It felt like the right thing to do to reach out to the EDC and ask for their support as the chamber evaluates its next steps,” said Tommy Clark, chair of the chamber’s board of directors. “We’re thankful that the EDC has agreed to help us during this time of transition.”

The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce is a 105-year old business organization that represents the interests of its members, which range in size from mom-and-pop shops to our largest industrial corporations. The Albany-Dougherty EDC plays a critical role in the development of industry and the shaping of the local and regional business environment.

“The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce have always been strong partners,” said Jay Smith, chair of the Albany-Dougherty EDC board of directors. “This is just one more way in which the organizations are working together for the benefit of Albany-Dougherty County.”

At the ADEDC, Holmes leads the initiatives that help local businesses grow and expand, and ensures that they have access to and knowledge of available programs, incentives and partnerships, while also identifying and addressing industry-specific work force needs.

“The Albany-Dougherty EDC is focused on facilitating job creation and business investment. That's at the center of everything we do – from recruitment to existing industry support to marketing and advocacy,” Holmes said. “I’m glad to be able to use my experience in these areas to serve the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce in the interim, and to strengthen the collaboration between these two organizations.”

Holmes joined the EDC in 2008 as its director of marketing. She assumed the role of vice president in July 2014.