Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s chief executive officer, has again been named one of the region’s most influential people by a Buffalo business magazine.

Buffalo Business First recently released its “2018 Power 250” listing of the 250 most influential people in Western New York. Jones came in at No. 86 on the list, up three spots from last year. Two years ago, she was 98th.

Business First said its list denotes “the 250 men and women who (in our opinion) wield the most clout in the eight-county region.”

“The list and ranking were borne from a newsroom consensus after three months of research, reporting and debate,” said Donna Collins, managing editor of Buffalo Business First. “Factors we considered include length of time spent leading a company. CEOs whose companies have sizable payrolls are on the list. So are those whose decisions affect the many individuals … for which they work.”

The Resource Center officials were pleased that Jones was included on the Power 250 list again this year.

“The Resource Center is blessed to have Denise as our CEO,” said R. Michael Goldman, the president of the board of directors. “She provides leadership with compassion, a rare combination which is vital to accomplish our mission.”

Jones, a certified public accountant, joined The Resource Center in 1980 as the organization’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. Three years later, she was promoted to chief operating officer and associate executive director.

Business First wrote the following about her:

“Denise Jones moved up from COO to president and CEO in 2015, taking control of the largest nonprofit in Chautauqua County and one of the largest employers. Though the focus remains on serving individuals with developmental disabilities, The Resource Center is also a major provider of health care and vocational services in the county.

“Trained as a CPA, Jones manages a budget of $74 million and more than 2,200 employees at locations across the county. That workforce is also a major subcontractor, providing work at manufacturing plants in Jamestown and Dunkirk.”

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. The Resource Center 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.