Denise Jones named one of WNY’s Power 100 Women

As the head of an organization that is one of Chautauqua County’s largest employers as well as being one of the biggest non-profit organizations in the region, Denise Jones is one of the area’s most influential people. That recognition recently was reaffirmed when Denise was named to Buffalo Business First magazine’s 2017 list of the 100 most powerful women in Western New York.

Denise, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer, is ranked No. 16 on the Power 100 Women list; she placed 18^th on the same list last year. In February, Business First ranked Denise No. 89 on its list of the 250 most influential people in Western New York.

“For purposes of this list, we defined power by the level of influence a woman has in her orbit – at her company, in her city or county, by the length of her career,” wrote Donna Collins, Managing Editor of Buffalo Business First.

“In the three years we’ve been compiling this list, we know there are two dominating constants among the women: An aptitude to take risks and the fortitude to withstand all kinds of pressure.”

Denise has been with The Resource Center since 1990. She served as TRC’s Associate Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for eight years before being named Executive Director and CEO in March 2015.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized as one of Business First’s most influential women,” Denise said. “This is much more than a personal recognition. It provides an acknowledgment that the work we do at The Resource Center to support individuals with disabilities and other challenges is valued by our community.”

TRC officials were pleased that Denise again has been recognized by Business First.

“Denise continues to shine as our CEO. Our financial picture continues to improve under her leadership,” said R. Michael Goldman, Esq., the President of the Board of Directors. “Her biggest strength, however, has been her ability to improve the morale of the staff by being accessible to them. She is a great leader and sets a great example for the other employees, who see it and follow it.”

The Resource Center has been supporting people with disabilities and their families since 1958. The Resource Center also provides a variety of health-related services that can be utilized by anyone, regardless of whether they have a disability. TRC also performs subcontracting work at manufacturing facilities in Jamestown and Dunkirk. To learn more, phone 483-2344.

Others from Chautauqua County who made the Power 100 women list include

• Senator Catharine Young, No. 5
• Betsy Wright, President and CEO of WCA Hospital, No. 27
• Dr. Virginia Horvath, President of Fredonia State College, No. 51