Terri Johnson

Terri Johnson has been honored as one of the rising leaders in the disability services field in New York State.

Johnson, The Resource Center’s director of employment and community-based services, received the Emerging Leader Award at the annual Future of Excellence Awards ceremony held by the Executive Directors Association.

The EDA is a partnership among the executive directors and chief executive officers of the chapters of The Arc New York. The Resource Center is the Chautauqua County chapter of The Arc NY, which advocates in support of people with disabilities.

The Emerging Leader Award honors a management-level employee who has made significant contributions and impact; who is a thought leader, strategic thinker and inspirational leader; and who has the potential for increased leadership responsibilities and continuing service within their chapter and The Arc NY.

Among Johnson’s responsibilities, she oversees The Resource Center’s supportive employment, driver training, community habilitation, community pre-vocation, fiscal intermediary, and staff assistance services. Last year, she spearheaded the opening of CHQ Plus, a retail store that sells merchandise made by local artisans and people with disabilities. The store also provides retail experience for people engaged in The Resource Center’s community pre-vocation program.

Also in 2022, Johnson oversaw the launching of the Project SEARCH employment training initiative, a collaboration between The Resource Center and UPMC Chautauqua that has seen the hospital hire two workers with developmental disabilities.

Additionally, Johnson is active in the community. For more than 20 years, she has been one of the lead organizers of the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots drive in Chautauqua County, and she is involved with the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County. These associations have helped strengthen The Resource Center’s reputation in the community.

“Terri is insightful and is able to stay strategically minded, while at the same time maintaining an operational focus,” Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s executive director, wrote in nominating Johnson for the award. “She has developed a strong team, stays on top of ever-changing regulations, is connected with our community, and seizes opportunities that are presented which are congruent with our mission.”

Johnson was chosen for the Emerging Leader Award from among a total of 11 nominees.

Several other TRC employees were nominated for some of the other 2023 EDA Future of Excellence Awards: Steve Bulich, safety coordinator, was nominated for the Excellence in Support Services Award; Rosanna Hatfield, assistant director of behavioral health clinical services, received consideration for the Clinical Champion Award; and Jessica Smith, quality assurance and quality improvement supervisor, was nominated for the Medical/Nursing Excellence Award.