Michelle Fraley (born Michelle Hernández, 1962) is a retired United States Army Colonel and former Superintendent of the Puerto Rico Police. She is the first Puerto Rican woman to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point and the first woman to hold the post of Superintendent of the Puerto Rico Police.
Early Life and Education
Michelle Fraley was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1962. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Languages from West Point Military Academy, becoming the first Puerto Rican woman to graduate from the institution. She went on to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Nova Southeastern University, a Master of Arts in International Relations and Affairs from Troy University, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.
Military Career
Fraley served in the United States Army for 30 years, retiring in 2014. Her command posts included:
- Battalion Commander, 69th Signal Battalion
- Commander of DISA-Europe
- Chief of Staff of the Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)
- Commander of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center Warrior Transition Brigade (WTB) in the National Capital Area
During her final command at the Warrior Transition Brigade, she was described as a "Wonder Woman" for her work with wounded warriors returning from combat, helping them transition to other military roles or civilian life.
Military Awards and Decorations
Fraley's military honors include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with oak leaf cluster), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with three oak leaf clusters), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and multiple campaign and service medals. She also earned the Parachutist Badge.
Post-Military Career
After retiring from the Army, Fraley returned to Puerto Rico, where she was appointed Special Assistant to the Superintendent of the Puerto Rico Police, leading the Strategic Initiative Group tasked with analyzing the entire state police organization.
In 2016, Governor-elect Ricardo Rosselló nominated her as Superintendent of the Puerto Rico Police, making her the first woman to hold that position. She resigned from the post on January 8, 2018.
Since 2021, she has served as Corporate Security Director for LUMA Energy in Puerto Rico.
Personal Life
Michelle Fraley (née Hernández) is married to Tom Fraley.
See Also
- History of women in Puerto Rico
- List of Puerto Rican military personnel
- Puerto Rican women in the military
