Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce Barbara Rivera Holmes, IOM, president & CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 credit hours of course instruction in non-profit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours towards the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE), certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually. 

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.” 

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively. 

“I’m honored and grateful to have worked alongside celebrated professionals to obtain the prestigious recognition of IOM – Industry of Organization Management – as I continuously strive to better serve our Albany Area Chamber members and our community, ” said Barbara Rivera Holmes, IOM, president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber, the region’s leading business organization, and its 501©3 affiliate, the Albany Area Chamber Foundation. “Chambers are dynamic organizations working to solve the big problems facing businesses and communities. Ensuring our own organizations are adaptive, modern, sustainable, proactive and responsive requires a unique skill set and perspective that is sharpened by the IOM curriculum.” 

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.