WCA in the News

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.

As New York state continues on its mission to meet clean energy goals, the real estate industry in the Lower Hudson Valley is embracing a new mindset — with hopes of reducing carbon emissions.

To harness the promise of the ACP, the Westchester County Association together with the STEM Alliance and other partners launched two first-of-its-kind, digital connectivity initiatives, the Yonkers-based YZone and the county-wide Connect Westchester.

It’s hard to believe in this age of hyper-connectivity, but about half a million people living in New York City and its suburbs still lack access to high-speed broadband despite more than a decade of state and federal programs that have poured billions of dollars into closing the digital divide.

With the rapid rise of AI, remote work, sustainability, and cybersecurity, remaining up-to-the-second with business trends is not only smart, it can make or break a company.

Beginning in 2022, the Westchester County Association’s Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program placed and trained 100 workers with regional healthcare providers. The initiative funded by a grant from Westchester County has an annual economic impact of more than $3.5 million.

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.

Do you know an innovative, Westchester-based tech venture? Westchester County’s Element 46 Tech Accelerator by QUAY Acceleration is accepting applications for its Fall 2026 cohort. The competitive entry accelerator program features a powerful curriculum, connections to entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and full-time support from the Element 46 staff.

EW Howell Construction Group has promoted Matt Sturm to Director of Estimating as part of the company’s continued growth. Sturm, who joined the firm in 2016, will lead the estimating team and oversee best practices, project review, and estimating operations.

Access: Supports for Living has been awarded $1.4 million by New York State to establish a new Clubhouse in Westchester County, expanding community-based mental health services. The organization also promoted Ryan Hirt to Development & Advancement Director, overseeing fundraising, partnerships, and advancement efforts supporting its mission, including championing the work of The Guidance Center of Westchester.

Brian Harper has been promoted to Director, Community & Stakeholder Relations at New York Blood Center Enterprises. Previously serving as Associate Director, Harper brings extensive experience in partnerships, community engagement, and communications to advance NYBCe’s mission and strengthen community relationships.

New York Medical College has appointed Brian J. Nickerson, Ph.D., J.D., M.P.A., FACHE, as dean of its School of Health Sciences and Practice. Dr. Nickerson brings more than 25 years of experience in health sciences education, program growth, accreditation, and workforce development.

Congratulations to our WCA members named among 914Inc.’s Westchester’s Top CEOs and Business Leaders in 2026. Honorees include Christopher Hillyer of New York Blood Center Enterprises, Craig Ruoff of Colliers, Horace Anderson Jr. of Pace University, Mark Stagg of Stagg Group, Matt Rand of Howard Hanna | Rand Realty, Michael Spicer of Saint Joseph’s Medical Center, Ronald Rosado Abad of Community Housing Innovations, and Scott Edelman of Burke Rehabilitation.

Sarah Lawrence College’s Board of Trustees has voted to reappoint Cristle Collins Judd to a third term as the College’s President. Throughout her first two terms, she focused on long-term planning and developing the resources necessary to ensure Sarah Lawrence thrives in its second century.

United Hebrew has again earned the CMS Overall 5-Star Quality Rating for its skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation program, recognizing excellence in resident care, staffing, health inspections, and quality outcomes. The honor adds to recent national recognition from U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek.

Cuddy + Feder Partner and Land Use Practice Group Chair Lucia Chiocchio has been appointed Secretary of the ArtsWestchester Board of Directors. Her appointment recognizes her leadership and ongoing commitment to advancing the arts and strengthening the Westchester community.

Congratulations to the WCA member leaders recognized by Becker's Hospital Review in its 2026 "180 Hospital and Health System CFOs to Know" list. This national recognition highlights their exceptional financial leadership and commitment to advancing healthcare excellence.