Denise Doring VanBuren is celebrating 25 years of service at Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, which she joined in 1993 and for which she has served as an executive officer since 1999. Currently Vice President of Public Relations, VanBuren has supervised Corporate Communications, Economic Development, Marketing, Energy Efficiency and Governmental Affairs through a series of promotions during her quarter-century career with the electric and gas utility. Prior coming to Central Hudson, she was a local radio and television anchor.
Throughout her quarter century with Central Hudson, Denise has been a strong supporter of United Way, including two terms on the board of United Way of Dutchess County, chairing of its 2005 County Campaign and service on the campaign cabinet of the Orange County United Way. She has been a Leadership Supporter of the United Way for the last 25 years.
Denise volunteers for many other local causes as well, and currently serves on the following community boards: Boscobel, Dutchess Tourism Inc. (Board Chair), MidHudson Regional Hospital of Westchester Medical Center, Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Fishkill Rural Cemetery and the Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist College. She is the immediate Past President of the Exchange Club of Southern Dutchess, and has been an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution since 1988, serving as the Editor-in-Chief of its award-winning American Spirit magazine (2004–present) and its elected First Vice President General (2016-2019).
Several community organizations have recognized VanBuren’s involvement in good causes through her more than two decades of civic engagement. Prior honors include: Innovation in Philanthropy Award, Hudson Valley Chapter of Fundraising Professionals, 2017; Corporate Social Responsibility Award, City/State Reports, 2016; Washington’s Headquarters Woman of History Award, 2016; NSDAR Women in American History Award, 2016; Our Lady of Lourdes High School Legion of Honor, 2016; Mount St. Mary College Joseph A. Bonura Leadership Award, 2015; Marist College President’s Award, 2014; GET Entrepreneur Woman of the Year, 2014; Junior League of Dutchess County Woman of the Year, 2012; Dutchess ARC Bessie Payne Humanitarian Award, 2012; Meritorious Service Award, Exchange Club of So. Dutchess, 2011; Dutchess Community Foundation Garden Party Honoree, 2007; Central Hudson Executive of the Year, 2005; Dutchess Award, Dutchess County Historical Society, 2005; City of Beacon Volunteer of the Year, 1999; New York State DAR Outstanding Chapter Regent, 1999; and YWCA Salute to Women and Industry Honoree, 1990 and 1997.
Denise holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Mount St. Mary College. She has written four books, including two celebrating the history of Beacon. A native of Troy, NY, she currently resides in the hamlet of Chelsea, with her husband Christopher G. Barclay; she has three sons: Schuyler (27), Troy (25) and Brett (21) VanBuren.
