For Bonnie Barlow, the President and CEO of Bridgeway Center, Inc., the Emerald Coast has always felt like home. Born at Eglin Air Force Base, she returned to the area at 18 and never left, drawn by the sense of community and purpose she found here.

• Her days are rarely predictable, balancing leadership decisions, meetings with her executive team, and the ongoing challenges that come with running a major nonprofit organization.

Through it all, she keeps her focus grounded in faith, mission, and the people her organization serves while approaching each day with gratitude, discipline, and a commitment to making a difference.

Are you a life-long local, if not, where are you from originally and how did you end up in the area?

I was born at Eglin Air Force base. My family moved to Polk County, Florida when I was 7 years old. I returned to this area at 18 years old and have been here ever since. I can’t imagine living any where else in the world. This is paradise and home.

What’s your current job title and where do you work?

President/CEO of Bridgeway Center, Inc.

What’s your morning routine?

Prayer before letting my feet hit the floor! Feed the dogs, cats, birds, and then coffee. Do household chores (laundry) if needed and then get dressed for the day. I am a morning person so I try to get as much done as possible before I leave the house in the morning.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

Every day is different at BCI and there are no easy days. Most days are filled with both internal and external meetings. Communication and face to face meetings with my leadership team is a must. I spend a lot of time on emails. As the CEO, the final decision on all administrative aspects of the business is my responsibility. I work a lot with HR on staffing requirements/issues, our CFO/CTO on budgets and IT concerns. I would rather work late than to take work home. I am very good at compartmentalizing specific life areas and responsibilities.

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?

Say good morning to everyone and check in with my team. I need to get a temperature check on how things are going and what is hot (needs my immediate attention). I review my schedule for the day with Ben Jones, my assistant. Being proactive in resolving issues keeps small concerns from growing into large ones. It is critical that my staff know I support them and the team is with them.

What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?

Microsoft Outlook, my cell phone, my desk top, lip gloss, hairspray, Chat GPT. While they are not a tool, app, or gadget, I could not live without my team. I always make it a practice to hire and retain people smarter than myself and it has served me well.

Apple or Android?

Apple – although I have a love/hate relationship with my phone.

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

Chai Latte, low-fat milk – Splenda.

What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?

Clemenzas

What’s one local business you love supporting?

The United Way

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Celebrate and be thankful for something every day regardless of the challenges you had to overcome.

If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Never be afraid, never give up. Do not compare yourself with anyone else. This is your life’s journey and you are amazing. The winding road will make you stronger and smarter than you can imagine. There will be heartache, but also joy and fulfillment because you will make a difference.

How do you unwind after a long day?

Make myself mentally leave the events of the day behind and be fully present at home with those that I love. Have a great big belly laugh.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

While I like routine, I easily get bored and thrive on variety – places, people – adventures which is sometimes hard because I am naturally an introvert.

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

The Dragon Boat Race!!

What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?

My 85 year old mother continues to be my role model and mentor. Despite the losses she has endured in her life and the trials of aging, she remains joyful, and a beacon of light for everyone. I am so blessed to have her with me still.

Early bird or night owl?

Early Bird

Most used emoji?

Heart

Music while working — yes or no? (and if yes, what’s on your playlist?)

Sometimes – classical – R&B- rock-country- New Orleans Jazz – contemporary Christian – whatever mood I happen to be in at the time.

Favorite motivational quote?

This is by Theodore Roosevelt – “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man (woman) who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he (she) fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”

Standing desk or sitting? Mix?

Sitting when I am at my desk.

If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?

Keep the mission first. Keep this as your “why”. The needs of the community are great and the resources are few. The challenges are many but worth overcoming because of the people we serve. Be the example, take care of yourself, never give up on anyone, keep going even when you are tired – people are counting on you. You are either created for this work or you are not. Find out quickly. It will be the hardest and best job you will ever do in your life.

Are you a member of the FWB Chamber of Commerce?

Yes! The Chamber puts community and businesses first. The focus is always on promoting the businesses in the Greater FWB area. The Chamber provides tremendous opportunities to promote your business, get involved with the sub-committees and connect with others. Business owners have a platform that reaches more people personally and be a part of the community. The Chamber is active in issues that impact businesses and is a voice for all. The leadership and staff of the Chamber are the best and adds extra value to the membership.

Anything we missed that you want to add?

This community has supported BCI for 60 years. I am proud to work with One Hopeful Place and some of the most vulnerable members of our community as they start their journey of recovery and stability. Many thanks to those who stand with us shoulder to shoulder as we care for our clients and patients.