Rhonda Frederick MPA, is the president and chief executive officer of People Inc., a leading not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 12,500 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout western New York. With an operating budget of $143 million and 3,860 employees, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity since 1971.

Rhonda joined the agency as a direct care staff member in 1980 and rose through the ranks to become chief operating officer in 2002. While in that role, the agency expanded into affordable and independent senior housing, improved outcomes, increased efficiency, and achieved operational excellence. Rhonda was also at the forefront of the agency’s commitment to person-centered solutions to improve the quality of life for individuals receiving supports and services. In recognition of her dedication and success, she became the agency’s president and CEO in October 2014.

Rhonda currently serves as president of the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNY), an organization that fosters collaboration among agencies who support people with developmental disabilities and gives them a single voice in Albany. The recipient of several honors, Rhonda received the Dr. Evan Calkins Meritorious Service Award from Network in Aging of Western New York for significant contributions to her field, was named Buffalo Business First Woman of Influence in 2009 and a winner of Buffalo Business First’s Health Care 50 in 2014.

Frederick earned her master’s degree in public administration from Canisius College and a bachelor’s degree in social work from RIT.

Meet Rhonda