TRC’s Denise Jones again named one of region’s most powerful women

Denise Jones’ reputation as a regional leader continues to grow.

Denise, The Resource Center’s chief executive officer, is ranked number 15 on Buffalo Business First magazine’s 2018 list of the 125 most powerful women in Western New York. This marks the fourth consecutive year Denise has been ranked in the top 50 on the annual list of the most powerful businesswomen in the eight-county region. It also marked the second time this year she has been recognized by Business First: in February, the magazine ranked Denise No. 86 on its list of the 250 most influential people in Western New York.

To decide who should be included on the 2018 Power 125 Women list and where to rank each person, Business First relied on the observations and opinions of its reporters and editors.

Denise Jones

“In the four 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,” Business First wrote in announcing this year’s Power 125 Women.

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

“The Resource Center is very fortunate to have Denise as our CEO,” said R. Michael Goldman, the president of TRC’s Board of Directors. “During her tenure she has not only improved our financial results, but at the same time has vastly improved our quality of services. Most importantly, she has our staff working together in a very positive atmosphere, which has made us one of the best places to work and grow.

“We congratulate her on this very prestigious ranking.”

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 2015. Denise said she was humbled at being included among the Power 125 Women, and she credited TRC’s staff for the agency’s success.

“I’m fortunate to be surrounded by an extremely dedicated team who exemplifies the person-centered values if the organization,” Denise said. “I feel very fortunate to be entrusted with the leadership of this tremendous organization.”

She added that she was encouraged by the fact that also included among the Power 125 Women were the leaders of several other organizations that support people with disabilities. “I think it’s wonderful that Business First recognizes the impact our industry has.”

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

Others from Chautauqua County who made the Power 125 Women list include:

• Senator Catharine Young, No. 3
• Dr. Virginia Horvath, President of the State University of New York at Fredonia, No. 19
• Betsy Wright, President and CEO of WCA Hospital, No. 33
• Anna Dibble, Plant Manager at Cummins Inc., No. 99
• Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the National Comedy Center, No. 125