Denise Jones

Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s chief executive officer, is ranked 15th on Buffalo Business First magazine’s 2018 list of the 125 most powerful women in Western New York.

It is the fourth consecutive year Jones 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 Jones 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.

“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.

The Resource Center officials said they were pleased Jones again has been recognized by Business First.

“The Resource Center is very fortunate to have Denise as our CEO,” said R. Michael Goldman, The Resource Center board president. “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.”

Jones has been with The Resource Center since 1990. She served as The Resource Center’s associate executive director and chief operating officer for eight years before being named executive director and chief executive officer in 2015. Jones 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 of the organization,” Jones said. “I feel very fortunate to be entrusted with the leadership of this tremendous organization.”

She was also encouraged that leaders of several other organizations which support people with disabilities were included among the Power 125 Women.

“I think it’s wonderful that Business First recognizes the impact (of) our industry,” she said.

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, call 483-2344 or visit www.resourcecenter.org.