'I was humbled that my community service was noticed'

Denise Jones has modeled her life according to the tenets of helping, hospitality and hope.

Over the years, it has been evident to her family, friends, co-workers, colleagues and fellow volunteers and now the members of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Jones was acknowledged as the chamber’s Citizen of the Year at the annual awards banquet Wednesday night at Cross Creek Resort. 

“I was humbled that my community service was noticed enough… to win this award,” Jones said as she addressed the large crowd. 

“She carries herself with grace and class that I admire,” said former Venango County commissioner Bob Murray.  “She is one of the best people I know.”

​Murray nominated Jones for the award after working alongside of her in county government and more recently with the Northwest Hospital Foundation. He offered his comments as part of a video presentation about Jones made for the evening.

“She’s a very wise person,” Theresa Edder said of Jones. “She cares for people.”

Jeff Polley, who is related to Jones, credits her heart of service to her parents and her upbringing. “Her parents’ home was the hub of activity…,” Polley said of their childhood. He recalled how Jones, her sister and mother would tend to the crowds gathered at their home and make sure everyone had what they needed. 

“I watched Denise carry that same attitude into serving her community,” Polley said. 

For more than four decades Jones has served Venango County in various capacities, including 24 as the chief clerk and county administrator. Over the years she has served on various statewide and local groups, among them are the League of Women Voters, Community Action Advisory Board, the American Red Cross, Franklin Area School District Community Engagement Community, New Life Family Worship Center, the Williams Family Caregivers Foundation, Together We Can and Bridge Builders Community Foundation. 
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“Venango County is where I thrived,” Jones said. It is also the place where she and her husband Russell raised their children Michelle and Chuck. 

Jones also took a few moments to share some of the advice she passed on during her commencement speech at Franklin High School last spring. 

• Don’t let others take you off your course.
• You do you and do it to the best of your ability.
• Don’t be afraid to be different. 
• Bloom where you are planted.

​“I believe I’ve done that,” she said. 

“I’m just overwhelmed, seriously. I’m just so grateful,” Jones said as she closed her remarks. “God is good to me.”  ​​​​