McCaffrey, ranked #95 on the list, was noted for her leadership in supporting more than 10,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“The list features powerful upstate public officials, business executives and industry advocates as well as key leaders in health care, organized labor, academia, philanthropy, social services and other important fields – all ranked based on their influence, their accomplishments and their reach in the region,” said the publication. 

McCaffrey joined People Inc. as President and CEO in April 2023. An experienced leader in healthcare and public service, McCaffrey successfully guided the integration of Autism Services Inc. with People Inc. during her first year of service and in 2024 worked with stakeholders to develop a bold, new strategic plan for the agency that is focused on service quality, operational excellence and innovation. Prior to joining People Inc., she was the President and CEO of Eastern Niagara Hospital, where she facilitated a successful restructuring and transaction with Catholic Health to keep essential health-care services in the region. 

In Lockport, she was a school board member, a common council member, and from 2014 to 2018 served as the city’s mayor. She also worked for 19 years in various positions at Lake Shore Behavioral Health, now BestSelf, where she oversaw Vocational Services, Rehabilitation Services, Development and Community Relations. 

She serves on the New York State Legislative Ethics Commission, the Nazareth University Board of Trustees and was recently named Co-Chair of the World Canals Conference, taking place in Buffalo in September 2025. She is also a member of the Boards of Directors of the New York State Industries for the Disabled and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership.  

Read the full list here.