Volunteers
Michelle Crocker is the HR Manager at First Nation Group. She has served in volunteer leadership positions for the SHRM Emerald Coast Chapter, HR Florida State Council. She is the sitting Chair of the Board of Directors for CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, and has served as a volunteer for the Panhandle Job Fair Foundation since 1998.
Jerrilyn Giles is President/CEO of Just-U-Hope, LLC since 2010, served 34 years with DoD providing a variety of work life programs for active duty members, veterans, and their families. Holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling, BS in Speech Pathology, and minors in Psychology and Business. Served as volunteer for the Panhandle Job Fair Foundation since 2002.
Andrea Rymer is the Campus Coordinator at the University of West Florida’s Fort Walton Beach campus. She volunteers her time in the local community which includes serving on the Panhandle Job Fair Foundation since 2004.
Eleanor Hypes is the Human Resource Director for The Legacy Cabinet Company located in Niceville, FL. She holds a Master’s Degree in Management, Organizational Leadership, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. She has served as a volunteer for the Panhandle Job Fair Foundation since 2014.
Thomas Tucker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving as a therapist with The Okaloosa County Vet Center. A retired Master Sergeant of the United States, he served as a Fire Fighter, a Disabled Veteran’s Outreach Program Specialist, and is a veteran Veterans Outreach Program Specialist for the Okaloosa Vet Center, serving the local veteran community since 2012. He holds a Master of Divinity, Master of Social Work, and Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development. He is a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force and has served as a volunteer for the Panhandle Job Fair Foundation since 2016.
Mary Travis is the Jobs & Benefits Administrator for the Department of Florida Commerce with CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, serving as a workforce development professional since 2017. She is the VP of Membership for the SHRM Emerald Coast Chapter. She has served as a volunteer for the Panhandle Job Fair Foundation since 2018.
Emmy Epperson is the Business Services Program Manager with CareerSource Okaloosa/Walton. Emmy’s key role is to oversee the full spectrum of activities of the Business Services department and team members. Provide guidance to all CSOW programs regarding the job market and industry trends. Promote CareerSource Okaloosa Walton’s mission among job seekers, businesses, and industry partners and connect local employers with qualified talent. Prior to CSOW, Emmy lived all over Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and worked in a multitude of industries including public relations, sales, marketing, advertising, tourism, business development, and education management. Emmy appreciates working with people from diverse backgrounds and enjoys bringing them together, driving success, and making it happen for our local community. She has served as a volunteer for the Panhandle Job Fair Foundation since 2022.
Julie Schmidt is the Employment Program Manager at Eglin AFB’s M&FRC, helping service members, families, retirees, and DoD civilians with their employment, education, and career goals. A retired Navy Veteran, she holds degrees in Social Science and Business Management & Leadership. She has volunteered with the Panhandle Job Fair Foundation since 2025.
Michael P. Tucker is Veteran Outreach Program Specialist with the Okaloosa County Vet Center. A retired Senior Master Sergeant of the United States, he served as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist, a Disabled Veteran’s Outreach Program Specialist, and was a Veterans Outreach Program Specialist for the Pensacola Vet Center, Serving the local veteran community since 2012. He holds a Master of Aeronautical Science and Bachelor of Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a 28-year veteran of the United States Air Force and has served as a volunteer for the Panhandle Job Fair Foundation since 2025.
