From The State

Gov. DeSantis appoints Okaloosa’s Bonnie Barlow to Florida Rehabilitation Council

Barlow, a 38-year veteran of Bridgeway Center, Inc. and current CEO, was among 12 appointees named to the council by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 2.

Jared Williams

Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Bonnie Barlow, president and chief executive officer of Bridgeway Center, Inc., to the Florida Rehabilitation Council on May 2.

Barlow, who serves as chair-elect of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, was among 12 appointees named to the council.

A 38-year veteran of Bridgeway Center, Barlow has held the CEO position since August 2018. During her tenure, she has implemented several programs including Okaloosa County’s Pre-Trial Diversion Program, an Outpatient Detox Unit and an Opioid Medication Assistance Treatment program.

She also facilitated operations at One Hopeful Place, a homeless shelter for single men and women, and established a primary care clinic for uninsured and Medicaid populations.

Barlow was inducted into the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women Hall of Fame in 2023 and attended Northwest Florida State College.

Her community involvement includes serving as treasurer for One Okaloosa Economic Development Council, chairperson for Healthy Start, and membership on the Okaloosa County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and the Crestview Opioid Task Force.

Barlow holds Senior Professional in Human Resources and SHRM Senior Certified Professional certifications and has received Bridgeway Center’s Distinguished Service Award.

The Florida Rehabilitation Council appointees also include education leaders, business executives and disability advocates from across the state.

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