WCA in the News

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.

“We are in the midst of a new era, one that promises to redefine how we work, live, and grow,” Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said when opening the conference titled CONVERGE: Hudson Valley Digital Innovation Conference.

A joint economic study produced by the Westchester County Association (WCA) and the Regional Plan Association (RPA) says that if Westchester fails to address its growing shortfall in housing it could lose from 8,400 to 12,000 jobs annually, lose from $333 million to $742 million in annual earnings and lose from $32 billion to $57 billion in Gross Domestic Product by 2040.

RYE -- Despite recent growth in housing developments, Westchester still faces a pressing need for more housing. A new study by the Westchester County Association and Regional Plan Association warns that the housing shortfall could lead to job losses — unless municipalities act to promote housing.

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.

WCA members play a leadership role at the state level, with strong representation on the HANYS Board of Directors: Mark Geller, Montefiore Nyack Hospital; Derek Anderson, Northern Westchester Hospital; Shelly Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Kevin Beiner and John D’Angelo, Northwell Health; Brian Donley, NewYork-Presbyterian; Susan Fox, White Plains Hospital; David Lubarsky, WMCHealth; Laurence Smith, Montefiore Health System; and Michael Spicer, Saint Joseph’s Medical Center. In addition, Kevin Plunkett of Simone Development Companies was appointed to the Board of Governors of Healthcare Trustees of New York State (HTNYS), a division of HANYS.

NewYork-Presbyterian announced a transformative $20 million gift from Emilia Fazzalari to launch Fazzalari Women’s Health in Manhattan and Westchester. Led by Dr. Mary Rosser, the program delivers coordinated, lifelong care with a focus on perimenopause and menopause, in collaboration with Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine.

Sarah Lawrence College, the prestigious, coeducational liberal arts college that consistently ranks among the leading liberal arts colleges in the country, is celebrating 100 years in 2026. The year-long centennial celebration’s theme is SLC100: Timely Education. Timeless Values.

RPI continues to offer opportunities this January for professionals considering graduate study. Through ongoing drop-in hours every Thursday, working professionals can learn more about RPI’s project-based, online graduate courses, certificates, and degree programs in engineering, analytics, leadership, and technical change management.

The Westchester Diverse Abilities Job Fair will return to the Westchester County Center on April 15. Registration is now open for employers committed to inclusive hiring practices and resource providers offering workforce development, training, or support services for individuals with disabilities.

Iona University has renamed its School of Health Sciences to the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences, reflecting expanded nursing excellence and new master’s program accreditation. The change highlights strong student outcomes, growing enrollment, and a deep partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian.

RPW Group is proud to recognize accounts payable manager Mildred Delvalle as this year’s Lorraine DeMaria Award recipient. Mildred’s dedication, strong work ethic, and genuine commitment to supporting her colleagues truly reflect RPW Group’s core values. Please join us in congratulating Mildred on this well-deserved honor.

Congratulations to John Eicher on his promotion to Director of Acquisitions at Simone Development Companies. We wish him continued success in his new role and look forward to his ongoing leadership and contributions to the region.

Congratulations to WCA members Lois Durant (Sheppard Mullin), Andrew Pickens (WMCHealth), Nancy Palmerin (Citrin Cooperman), Lola Maroulis (HANAC), and Corine Lurry-Mabin (Andrus), recognized by City & State among its 100 socially responsible leaders for their commitment to community engagement, ethics, philanthropy, and advancing DEI.

Dr. Deepa Kumaraiah takes the helm as NewYork-Presbyterian's new executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective January 22. A longtime physician-executive at the institution, she will oversee systemwide strategy and operations, succeeding Dr. Brian Donley as he steps into the role of president and CE