WCA in the News

WHITE PLAINS ‒ As lawmakers in Washington consider steep spending cuts, leaders of Lower Hudson hospitals and research institutions warn that potential cuts to Medicaid and research funding could lead to job losses and reduced access to health care services. A shift in federal funding priorities has put the health care industry at risk, officials say.

As a wave of new tariffs hits America’s trading partners, Westchester builders are scrambling to adapt. While it’s too early to gauge the full impact on costs and prices on building materials, those in the Westchester business community expressed concern about rising prices, business stability and housing affordability. Michael Romita, president of Westchester County Association, said development projects are likely to become more expensive to build. As a result, fewer projects will move forward, which could ultimately affect housing affordability.

County Executive Ken Jenkins told a breakfast gathering of the Westchester County Association that the future of the county’s airport and the Westchester County Center will receive priority attention from his administration. Jenkins, who is running in the Feb. 11 special election to determine who will serve out the remainder of now Congressman George Latimer’s term, appeared at a breakfast event that helped launch WCA’s 75th anniversary year. Jenkins is running against Republican Christine Sculti in the special election.

After seven years as second fiddle, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins now leads the band. The business community had a glimpse of what’s to come the morning of Thursday, Jan. 23, when Jenkins held what was billed as a “fireside chat” with Westchester County Association President Michael Romita at the Pelham Country Club. The talk came as the Jenkins administration faced its first crisis: the decision of Standard Amusements to terminate its 30-year management agreement to run Playland amusement park after only three years. Among other issues on Jenkins' mind: the future of Westchester County Center; the bogged-down Westchester County Airport master plan; and the rise in county property taxes in its special districts.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins speaks at the Westchester County Association's annual business breakfast at Pelham Country Club Jan. 23, 2025.

Westchester County crossed a milestone when the last census in 2020 revealed there are now more than one million people living here. So, with more folks competing for a housing stock that hasn’t kept pace, the result is predictable. “It’s Economics 101,” Tim Foley of the Building & Realty Institute told a gathering of more than 75 at the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber breakfast on Jan. 9 “If the supply is inadequate, the prices go sky high. In addition, with the migration up from New York City during Covid, the housing inventory shrunk and the prices went bananas.”

The U.S. healthcare system is facing a dual crisis: a critical shortage of nurses and an even more severe shortage of nursing faculty. This interconnected challenge creates a dangerous threat to the system’s capacity to meet current and future healthcare needs, with dire consequences for patient care quality.

An estimated 400 business, nonprofit and community leaders were on hand November 20th when The Westchester County Association honored four Westchester leaders at its Annual Leadership Event, “Impact in Action.” The event took place at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle.

On Oct. 1, more than 150 attendees — including state and local officials, tech experts, college presidents and national scholars — gathered at Pace University for the Hudson Valley Digital Innovation Conference to discuss how to turn this vision into reality.

The Welcome Home Westchester Campaign (WHWC) has called on local officials not to wait for action from New York state on housing but to move now on their own to address the county’s housing needs.

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.

Steven D. Schwartz, CPA has been appointed to co-lead CohnReznick’s Community Health practice, joining Peter R. Epp. Together, Steven and Peter will work to continue expanding the firm’s impact in the community health space, deepening client relationships, and supporting the evolving needs of the communities our clients serve.

Congratulations to Susan Fox, White Plains Hospital; Prabhjot Grewal, Montefiore Medical Center; John D’Angelo, Northwell Health; Jared Nagley, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and Hampton; Daniel Blum, ENT & Allergy Associates; Fawaz Al-Mufti, New York Medical College; Mangala Narasimhan, Northwell Health; Brian G. Donley, NewYork-Presbyterian; Andrew Wuertele, East River Medical Imaging; Philip Ozuah, Montefiore Einstein; David Lubarsky, Westchester Medical Center Health Network; David Rivadeneira, Northwell Health.

Congratulations to Ulrich Steidl, MD, PhD, on his appointment as Director of the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center and Vice President of Cancer Medicine. A nationally recognized physician-scientist and leader, Dr. Steidl will advance innovative cancer care, research, and community impact across the Bronx and beyond.

The Westchester County Life Sciences Monthly Networking event will be on April 22 in Tarrytown with a presentation from Yaniv Sneor, one of the founders of Mid Atlantic Bio Angels. We welcome life sciences innovators and investors, founders and employees to gather for networking.

Chinchorreo White Plains brings the vibrant spirit of Puerto Rico—from comedy, music and dance to artisan crafts, family activities and literary readings—to the heart of Westchester. Special highlights: April 24: Comedian Eli Castro April 25: Live bomba music, dance April 26: Author readings and book talks Read more.

Join Westchester County Tourism & Film for "Reel Ready Westchester," a free, virtual event on May 19 on how to grow your business by attracting film shoots, earning location fees, and providing production services.

Congratulations to Nonprofit Westchester's Executive Director Jan Fisher for being recognized as a remarkable leading moving New York forward.

Congratulations to the powerful C-Suite execs making a difference in our regions: • Timothy Foley, The Building and Realty Institute of the Hudson Valley • Anthony B. Gioffre, III, Cuddy & Feder LLP • Regginald L. Jordan, Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital • Corine E. Lurry-Mabin, Andrus • Amie Parikh, Hudson Valley Care Coalition • Anthony Pili, Orange Bank & Trust Company • Marisa Weidner, Webster Bank

Congratulations to Kaitlyn Phillips on her new role as Vice President at E.J. York, Inc. From starting as an intern to advancing through multiple roles, her leadership reflects dedication, growth, and deep industry knowledge. We look forward to her continued impact and contributions to the company’s future success.

Burke Rehabilitation recently hosted its annual Burke Brain Bee competition, welcoming students from seven Hudson Valley high schools with a passion for neuroscience. The competition featured several rounds of challenging questions designed to evaluate students’ knowledge of the brain and nervous system.