TRC’s Denise Jones named one of region’s most influential people

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

Denise, The Resource Center’ Chief Executive Officer, is ranked No. 91 on this year’s “Power 250” list, which was released this week. The list reflects those who, in Business First’s opinion, are the 250 most influential people in the eight-county region.

This marks the fourth straight year Denise has been included on the Power 250 list since she became TRC’s Executive Director in 2015. Each year, she has been ranked anywhere from No. 86 to No. 98.

Business First’s seventh annual Power 250 list and rankings were determined from a consensus of the members of its newsroom.

“Factors we considered include length of time spent leading a company,” said Donna Collins, Managing Editor. “CEOs whose companies have sizable payrolls are on the list. So are those whose decisions affect the many individuals and the companies or organizations for which they work.”

She added, “We concede there is no formula for computing power and influence. Influence means different things to different people, but most of us will agree with thus: We all know power and influence when we see it.”

TRC officials are happy that Denise’s talents again have been recognized by Business First, and they are pleased with the positive impact she has had on The Resource Center.

“Not only has she turned our financial situation around, she has also made us a great place to work. The staff has become more dedicated and more involved, increasing the quality of the services we perform,” said R. Michael Goldman, Esq., the President of the Board of Directors.  “However, her best quality may be the way she has negotiated the ever-changing landscape of the care of people with developmental challenges. State regulation and funding continues to change daily. Not only are we keeping up, but we are getting ahead of the curve. With Denise’s guidance, we are well positioned to move forward.”

Denise, a certified public accountant, joined The Resource Center in 1990 as our 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.

Please join us in congratulating Denise on being recognized as one of Western New York’s movers and shakers!

Others from Chautauqua County or the disability services field who are listed in this year’s Power 250 include:

• Rhonda Frederick, President and CEO of People Inc. (No. 30)
• Dr. Virginia Horvath, President of SUNY Fredonia (No. 73)
• Senator Catharine Young (No. 85)
• Assemblyman Andrew Goodell (No. 106)
• Gregory Edwards, CEO of the Gebbie Foundation (No. 110)
• Anna Dibble, Plant Manager of Cummins Inc. Jamestown Engine Plant (No. 163)
• Mari Howard, President and CEO of Intandem (No. 170)
• Daniel Reininga, President and CEO of Lake Shore Bancorp. (No. 192)
• Michael Hill, President of Chautauqua Institution (No. 201)
• Jamestown Mayor Samuel Teresi (No. 229)
• Thomas Sy, President of Aspire of WNY (No. 238)
• County Executive George Borrello (No. 246)