Labor Commissioner-elect Porcher Announces Former Commissioner Thurmond as Transition Team Chair

ATLANTA, GA — Just two days after making history as the first Black woman elected Georgia Labor Commissioner, Nikki Porcher announced today that former Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael L. Thurmond will chair her transition team.

Porcher's November 3 victory also marks the first time Georgia voters have elected a Democrat to lead the Department of Labor since Thurmond, who served from 1999 to 2011. His appointment brings more than a decade of institutional experience to an incoming administration preparing to deliver on its commitment to Georgia's workers, employers, and families.

“Georgia voted for change, and I intend to deliver it,” said Porcher. “But change doesn't happen simply because someone new takes office. It takes preparation, accountability, and people who understand the work. Commissioner Thurmond has led this very department. He knows what has worked, what hasn't, and what it takes to build an agency that puts people first. I'm honored that he has agreed to help lead this next chapter.”

Thurmond served three terms as Georgia's Labor Commissioner from 1999 to 2011. During his tenure, he helped transform traditional unemployment offices into career centers, expanding the department's emphasis on job placement, workforce training, and connecting Georgians with employment opportunities.

His administration also introduced Georgia Works, an innovative workforce training initiative designed to help unemployed Georgians gain on-the-job experience while receiving unemployment benefits. By 2011, more than 32,000 job seekers had enrolled in the program, with approximately 23,000 completing training. Thurmond reported that roughly six in ten participants secured employment within 90 days of completing the program.

“I am honored to chair Commissioner-elect Porcher's transition team,” said Thurmond. “Nikki is a hardworking, visionary leader who understands the value of experience while bringing fresh ideas to the table. I look forward to combining my years of experience with her vision to help build a Department of Labor that serves all Georgians.”

As Transition Chair, Thurmond will help guide the incoming administration's assessment of departmental operations, workforce services, organizational needs, and priorities for the next administration.

Porcher's transition team is preparing to coordinate with the current administration of Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes to obtain the information, records, and departmental briefings necessary for an orderly transfer of leadership.

“We are ready to begin that work and look forward to receiving the necessary transition information from the current administration,” Porcher said. “Georgians should expect a thoughtful, organized transition that protects essential services while preparing us to make meaningful improvements.”

Porcher emphasized that the transition will be guided by the same commitment that shaped her campaign: building a Georgia where work works for everyone.

“Whether someone is filing for unemployment, looking for their next opportunity, hiring workers, or trying to understand their rights, they deserve a Department of Labor that works for them,” said Porcher. “That's the standard we're setting. I'm excited to introduce more members of our transition team in the coming weeks and to bring together people with the experience, ideas, and commitment to help us meet that standard.”

About Labor Commissioner-elect Nikki Porcher

Nikki Porcher is Georgia's Labor Commissioner-elect and the first Black woman elected to lead the Georgia Department of Labor. A United States Air Force veteran, former public school teacher, and founder of Buy From A Black Woman, Porcher was elected on November 3, 2026. Her campaign centered on improving access to workforce services, strengthening accountability, and building a Georgia where work works for everyone.

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