CEO Denise Jones again listed among region’s most influential people

Buffalo Business First magazine has released its annual ranking of the most influential people in Western New York, and once again Denise Jones has placed highly on the list.

Denise, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer, is ranked No. 62 on this year’s “Power 250” list.  The list reflects those who, in Business First’s opinion, are the 250 most influential people in the eight-county region.  This is the sixth straight year Denise has been included on the Power 250 list since she became TRC’s Executive Director in 2015, and it represents her highest ranking.

Business First’s ninth annual Power 250 list and rankings were determined from a consensus of the members of its newsroom.  The magazine realizes some people may question its selections.

“We concede that this is objective and for that reason alone will generate discussion.  Influence and power mean different things to different people, but we can all agree that we know power and influence when we see it,” said Donna Collins, Business First’s Editor.  “Factors we consider include length of time in an executive position, companies with sizeable employment and payrolls, and non-profits making an im0act on community welfare.”

Denise, a certified public accountant, joined The Resource Center in 1990 as the agency’s first Internal Auditor.  In 1997 she was named finance director, and she worked in that capacity until becoming chief financial officer and assistant executive director for administrative services in 2004.  In 2008, she was promoted to chief operating officer and associate executive director.

TRC officials were pleased Denise has again been recognized as one of the region’s premier business leaders.

“We were delighted to learn that Denise has been included in the Business First listing of the 250 most powerful business leaders in Western New York,” said Patricia Perlee, President of the Board of Directors.  “Denise is dynamic, knowledgeable and well respected within the community.  She believes every individual is unique and valued and should be respected.  We are extremely proud of Denise and feel very fortunate to have an Executive Director of Denise’s caliber leading our organization.”

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 for the federal government and local businesses at manufacturing facilities in Jamestown and Dunkirk.  To learn more, phone 483-2344 or visit www.resourcecenter.org.

Other people from Chautauqua County or the disabilities field who appeared on this year’s Power 250 list included:

• Rhonda Frederick, President and CEO, People Inc. – No. 17
• Elizabeth Woike-Ganga, President and CEO, BestSelf Behavioral Health – No. 57
• Dan Reininga, President and CEO, Lake Shore Bancorp – No. 97
• Anna Dibble, Plant Manager, Cummins Inc. – No. 117
• Mari Howard, President and CEO, Intandem – No. 121
• Bridget Bartalone, CEO, Person Centered Services – No. 152
• Gregory Edwards, CEO, Gebbie Foundation – No. 173
• Michael Hill, President, Chautauqua Institution – No. 241

In addition, Business First created a separate “Power Politicians” list, which included Assemblyman Andy Goodell at No. 18, Senator George Borrello at No. 22 and Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel at No. 24.