The job never gets boring for People, Inc.’s CEO Rhonda Frederick (Video)

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Jim Courtney

People, Inc. CEO Rhonda Frederick.

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Elizabeth Carey

Broadcast reporter- Buffalo Business First

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"Just walking in everyday, I know something is going to happen. I'm going to have an effect on somebody's life today," not many people can describe their workday the way Rhonda Frederick can.

After 34 years with People, Inc., the job never gets boring. Frederick still has a passion for her job, though it has changed over the years.

She got her start working in a group home and worked her way up to president and CEO, a post she took over in September. That means she's responsible for 3,000 employees and for 10,000 clients that People, Inc. serves.

"I've fulfilled a lot of roles and responsibilities in that time," she said. "I know the agency. I know the people. There's a whole different feel here."

Frederick has seen many changes over 3-plus decades with People, Inc. Now one of the biggest challenges she, and other nonprofits face, new government mandates that call for a managed care model, rather than medically based care. Frederick calls it unknown territory. "We're not sure where that will take us," she said. "Traditional services we've offered residential, day programs, employment, will be very different in future. I think we'll see more folks living out in the community on their own."

Traditional services at area nonprofits will be impacted by new regulations as agencies are encouraged to think "Employment First." Frederick is inspired by new development across Western New York that she hopes will mean new opportunities for area residents in need.

"As all those businesses start coming into the city and there's so much development, we see it as an opportunity for employment for the individuals that we serve," she said.

Elizabeth Carey is Buffalo Business First's broadcast reporter