At a recent ceremony, five exemplary women were inducted in the 2023 Okaloosa County Women’s Hall of Fame. Sponsored by the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women, the annual induction ceremony is held in conjunction with Women’s Equality Day and is the Commission’s oldest and most prestigious award. Women inducted are honored in permanent displays at the Okaloosa County Administration Annex, the Crestview Court House and the Niceville City Council Chambers—monuments to some of the exceptional women in our county’s history, as well as tributes that grow annually with each induction ceremony. To date, 130 women have been inducted since the Women’s Hall of Fame was established in 1995. The Hall of Fame was created to honor women of Okaloosa County — past and present — whose contributions have been of great value to our community’s development. Congratulations to the following exceptional women:
Bonnie R. Barlow — Carolyn Spencer Humanitarian Inductee
She’s served as the Alcohol Center secretary, teaching Driver Improvement and managing the DUI school at Bridgeway Center for 38 years and has led Bridgeway since 2018. Serving on several local boards including Opportunity Place and the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, Bonnie is also an honorary commander for Eglin’s 33 fighter wing and helped establish the thriving One Hopeful Place.
Cindy Frakes — Community Service Inductee
As a military spouse, Cindy has supported endless women new to that challenging lifestyle. A list of her significant contributions includes: an Okaloosa resident and professional real estate agent for over 40 years; Okaloosa County School Board elected position for 16 years; Guardian ad litem volunteer representing abused and neglected children; Northwest Florida State College Foundation member raising scholarship funds; Opportunity Place past chair providing housing for homeless families; Taylor Haugen Foundation board member promoting sports safety and protection; Honorary Commander of the 505th Command & Control; former active member of the Junior League; member Daughters of the American Revolution Choctawhatchee Bay Chapter and Past Chair Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County (One Okaloosa).
Judge Patricia Grinsted — Professional Leader Inductee
Honorable Judge Patricia Grinsted is the first woman to serve on the bench in Okaloosa County. She was an appointed County Judge from 2004-2021, when she retired. She is currently a Senior Judge appointed by the Florida Supreme Court to sit in all Florida courts. Patricia was actively involved with Okaloosa-Walton Child Care Services, president of the Zonta Club, served on the Board of Directors for the Okaloosa Guidance Clinic (now Bridgeway Center), was a Child Support Hearing Officer, a member of the Mental Health Association of Okaloosa County and later served as presiding Judge over Okaloosa County Mental Health Court. She also served on the First Judicial Circuit Bench & Bar Professionalism Committee. She was Chair of the Canvassing Board of Okaloosa County overseeing local, state and national elections and an active member of the Florida Bar and Okaloosa Florida Association for Women Lawyers.
Col Teresa W. Ryan – Military Inductee
Colonel (Retired) Teresa Ryan DNS served our nation with distinction as an obstetrics nurse, flight nurse, research team nurse, Staff Development Officer, Assistant Chief Nurse, Sexual Assault Responder and Chief Nurse. Her service spanned from Langley AFB to Operation Desert Storm, Duke Field Eglin AFB, to Medical Education and Combat Casualty Reserve during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She left active duty and joined the Air Force Reserve’s 919th Medical Squadron at Duke Field and served as the OIC of the Immunizations Clinic. Dr. Ryan is currently Assistant Professor, School of Nursing at NWFSC. She served as an Intelligence Specialist in the U. S. Navy Reserve from 1983 to 1987, holding a TOP SECRET Security Clearance. She’s provided leadership and counsel to Healthy Start Coalition, preparing the Pathway for Military Combat Medics legislation, and designing curriculum for NWFSC Nursing Program. She is a published author in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing and received many awards including the Military Order of the Purple Heart Special Recognition Award and Meritorious Service Medals with the USAF Nurse Corps.
Lt. Betty Jo Hunter – Pioneer Inductee
Lt. Betty Jo Hunter was known as Momma Jo at the Sheriff’s Department. Nominated by Sheriff Eric Aden, Betty Jo was the wife of an active military person and has one son. She has worked in the administration of five Sheriffs, beginning her career as the first lady law enforcement officer for the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s office in 1967. She broke boundaries as she was promoted through the ranks becoming the first woman investigator, sergeant and lieutenant. In the mid 1980’s, Lt. Hunter became a regional expert on the investigation of crimes against women and children. She spearheaded efforts to bring justice to victims of sexual violence. She was constantly called upon to travel and assist with sex crimes investigations throughout the area. Her 27-year career left a legacy of service and leadership and made her an encouragement to women considering a career in law enforcement.
For more information, and to see the past winners, visit the website at www.occsw.com.
