WCA in the News

Some Hudson Valley officials and business community leaders are reacting positively to an initiative announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul to make reforms to the environmental review process under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).

At the Westchester County Association’s  (WCA) Annual Business Breakfast held Jan. 22 at the New York Athletic Club in Pelham Manor formation of the Westchester Economic Alliance was announced.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has outlined his priorities for 2026 after the county passed a challenging budget that eliminated more than 100 positions and raised taxes for the first time in seven years.

The New York State Environmental Quality Review Act — SEQRA — just turned 50. And it’s not aging well. As the state remains mired in a serious housing crisis, SEQRA is a primary culprit.

Welcome Home Westchester (WHW), a multi-stakeholder pro-housing advocacy effort, announced the release of its Housing Policy Scorecards for all 43 cities, towns, and villages in the county at Pelham Village Hall on Friday, December 12.

As the newly elected Westchester County Executive Kenneth B. Jenkins began to speak at the Westchester County Association’s “Impact in Action” annual leadership event – held Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle – WCA President and CEO Michael R. Romita handed him a note.

The Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrated Italian American Heritage Month on Monday night with a ceremony recognizing two exceptional honorees: Michael N. Romita, President and CEO of Westchester County Association, champion for Westchester’s economic development and environmental sustainability and Paula Miritello, founder and director of My Brother Vinny, a nonprofit organization that provides furnishings for formerly homeless U.S. veterans.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during an appearance at the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) Toasting to a Healthy Westchester event at Tappan Hill in Tarrytown called on health care providers to do more with artificial intelligence.

Want to grow your career or your presence in the industry? These business associations and job and apprenticeship banks are here to help.

The Westchester County Association (WCA), Westchester County, and The STEM Alliance recently hosted the second annual CONVERGE: Hudson Valley Digital Innovation Conference, bringing together business, government, nonprofit, and education leaders to explore how artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and digital inclusion can power the region’s economy and create a more equitable, resilient future.

Pelham, NY — January 22, 2026 — The Westchester County Association (WCA) today announced the formation of the Westchester Economic Alliance, a new, joint countywide economic development initiative launched in partnership with Westchester County Government.

(November 20, 2025 – New Rochelle, NY) — More than 450 business, nonprofit, and government leaders gathered at Glen Island Harbour Club on November 19 for the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) “Impact in Action” Annual Leadership Event—the capstone celebration of the organization’s 75th anniversary.

(October 13, 2025) … Westchester County leaders, healthcare executives, and policymakers gathered at the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) annual Toasting to a Healthy Westchester: An Evening to Celebrate WCA’s Legacy of Healthcare Advocacy & Initiatives.

Westchester County, NY — [July 24, 2025] — The Westchester County Association (WCA), Westchester County, and The STEM Alliance today hosted the second annual CONVERGE: Hudson Valley Digital Innovation Conference, bringing together business, government, nonprofit, and education leaders to explore how artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and digital inclusion can power the region’s economy and create a more equitable, resilient future.

WHITE PLAINS, NY (May 22, 2025) — As cranes rise and hospital campuses expand across Westchester County, new findings unveiled at the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) Annual Real Estate Summit reveal a critical imbalance—Westchester’s housing supply is not keeping up, and the cost of inaction could reach tens of billions of dollars.

White Plains, NY (January 23, 2025) — The Westchester County Association (WCA) launched its 75th anniversary year with newly appointed County Executive Ken Jenkins’ first address to the Westchester business community, where he outlined his vision for the county’s growth and vitality – subjects that drive WCA’s mission.

(November 21, 2024) …. Four exceptional Westchester leaders, cited for their outstanding contributions to Westchester’s robust economy, benefiting its people and businesses, were honored at the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) Annual Leadership Event, “Impact in Action,” held on November 20th at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle.

White Plains, New York - (November 10, 2023)….Over 450 members of Westchester’s professional community packed the Westchester Marriott ballroom on November 9th for the Westchester County Association’s 73rd annual leadership event.

White Plains (October 12, 2023) More than 300 job seekers lined up to meet with over 40 employers and resource providers at a regional career fair October 12 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.

Connect Westchester is Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development’s new initiative to bridge the digital divide through providing essential digital resources, education and affordable internet access to low-income residents.

Congratulations to Andrea Cefarelli for being named Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and to Clay Rich for being named Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Blood & Laboratory Operations at the New York Blood Center. Their leadership will play a key role in advancing the organization’s mission and impact in healthcare.

Webster Bank's EVP and Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, Marissa Weidner, is deservingly recognized on Women We Admire’s Top 50 Women Leaders in Banking list for 2025. Marissa’s vision, leadership, and dedication to strengthening communities reflect the very best of Webster Bank’s values and impact.

Cuddy & Feder LLP welcomes Jason Gershenson as Special Counsel in its Corporate and Cannabis Practice Groups. With extensive experience in venture financings, M&A, fund formation, and cross-border transactions, Jason strengthens the firm’s corporate capabilities and complements its leading real estate and finance practices.

Burke Rehabilitation hosted a ribbon cutting for its newest outpatient facility in Mount Vernon, the 15th in its expanding network. The state-of-the-art center will deliver comprehensive rehabilitation services, supporting 15,000 patient visits annually.

The Entering and Re-entering Job Fair on October 16 in White Plains will provide employers with the opportunity to meet motivated job seekers who are enthusiastic about learning a new skill, reinventing themselves, and bringing their valuable life experience to your workplace. Register by October 3.

United Hebrew’s 39th Annual Golf Tournament raised $280,000 to enhance senior services and launch a therapeutic Virtual Reality program in its memory care communities. The immersive therapy lets seniors “travel” the world from their chairs, reducing agitation while sparking joy and connection.

Burke Rehabilitation will host a ribbon-cutting and speaking program with elected officials and leaders to unveil its state-of-the-art Mount Vernon outpatient therapy site. Media may tour the facility, capture photos/B-roll, and interview leadership. The center expands tri-state access to Burke’s award-winning, patient-centered care. RSVP by September 22, 2025 to jmartin@issuesgroup.com.

New York Medical College has been awarded a $400,000 Hyundai Hope Scholar Grant from Hyundai Hope on Wheels to advance pediatric cancer research. Jeremy Rosenblum, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics, will use the grant to study a rare bone cancer affecting children and young adults. It's part of Hyundai's Hope on Wheels: $277 million in donations to support pediatric cancer research nationwide.

The Entering and Re-entering the Workforce Job Fair on October 16 in White Plains will provide employers with the opportunity to meet motivated job seekers who are enthusiastic about learning a new skill, reinventing themselves, and bringing their valuable life experience to your workplace. Register by October 3.

The Northwell School of Health Sciences opened in Queens, welcoming 240 students. A partnership with NYC Public Schools, Northwell Health, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, the school blends academic and hands-on healthcare training. It builds career pathways, addresses workforce shortages, and prepares students for meaningful, well-paying healthcare careers.