Paul Cesana
CELORON – The man who’s directed The Resource Center for the past 27 years is retiring from his position. longtime Executive Director Paul Cesana has retired, with Denise Jones being appointed as his successor.
Resource Center Board member Dr. Todd Jacobson praised the leadership Cesana, saying the organization has maintained and expanded its position as a recognized leader among organizations that support individuals with disabilities to lead full and meaningful lives.
Dr. Jacobson specifically pointed out Cesana’s role in developing a program that involves The Resource Center manufacturing products for the federal government – enabling organization to provide employment opportunities to hundreds of people with disabilities, while generating critically needed revenues.
Cesana was also instrumental in developing several other community initiatives, including the Street JAM basketball tournament, the TRC Golf Classic, Laurel Run, TRC Expo, and the Step Up for Autism walk, plus the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive and the yearly sponsorship of Jamestown’s holiday parade.
Denise Jones
Cesana has been The Resource Center’s executive director since 1988. During that time, TRC’s annual operating budget has grown from $17 million to almost $100 million; the number of employees has grown from about 750 to more than 1,700, making The Resource Center Chautauqua County’s second-largest employer; and the number of individuals who benefit from the services and supports that TRC provides to individuals with disabling conditions, their families and the community at large has reached more than 17,000.
Cesana’s replacement, Dennis Jones, has worked for The Resource Center for 25 years, most recently as the organization’s associate executive director and chief operating officer since 2007.
The Resource Center has supported people with disabilities and their families since 1958.
Leave a Reply