WCA in the News

"Every time we fill a job, it not only benefits the individual but also their family, the community, and the employer. Plus it boosts economic development in the region." - Jason Chapin, Director of Workforce Development, Westchester County Association

“If you are attending a local college, it’s great to get exposure with local employers,” notes Chapin. “Internships help students develop skills and learn whether or not they like an organization and the kind of work they do.”

Business, nonprofit and government lead­ers attended the WCA's second annual Sustainable Business Conference hosted in partnership with Pace University's Elis­abeth Haub School of Law in White Plains.

When Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the details of her plan to build 800,000 new homes in New York over the next decade, the crux of which would have been state requirements for the suburbs to increase production, pro-development groups in the area were thrilled to see the housing shortage finally get the attention they thought it deserved.

In the end, Albany’s failure to address New York’s housing crisis in this year’s budget should not come as a surprise.  Localism is deeply entrenched in our political system. 

Our health care providers continue to face difficult financial challenges for reasons magnified but not created by the pandemic.

When she announced in January a plan to kick off a building boom of housing across New York — 800,000 units in the next decade, even if it means going over the heads of reluctant zoning boards — Gov. Kathy Hochul had more than a few people wondering: What is she thinking?

“Our local communities have to understand that in many cases there’s a NIMBYism that’s a tremendous barrier to get the housing that we need,” Romita said. “We need to find the ways to break the logjams. But where the governor’s proposal starts out, it’s not the zombie apocalypse that a lot of people make it out to be. It’s not telling local communities what to do; it’s telling them to please do something.”

On Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, the Westchester County Office of Economic Development (OED) and the Westchester County Association (WCA) hosted All Access Healthcare: Regional Life Sciences Outlook. Approximately 100 people attended the in-person panel presentation, which was held at the Auditorium at 360 Hamilton Avenue in White Plains.

“New York’s housing shortage is decades-long in the making and continues to be a serious impediment to economic growth and community vitality,” said Michael Romita, president and CEO of the WCA. “It is choking off upward mobility for our residents and is hurting our businesses.”

(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.

White Plains, New York - (September 22, 2023)…In his keynote address at WCA’s “Toasting to a Healthy Westchester,” Michael J. Dowling, CEO, Northwell Health appealed to 250 key leaders in healthcare and business attending this annual dinner to try to solve what he called the social determinants of health, such as gun violence, poverty, obesity, and drugs and alchohol abuse. “If we don’t solve theses issues, we will never improve the health status of Americans,”he said, citing the pressures facing the industry today.

White Plains, New York -- (June 5, 2023) Close to 200 business, nonprofit, and government leaders attended the WCA’s 2nd Annual Sustainable Business Conference hosted in partnership with Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law. The event, held June 1 at the law school, focused on new opportunities in sustainable investing and real estate, navigating an evolving regulatory landscape, and the connection between sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion. New this year, a “Sustainability Bootcamp” workshop served as a primer for businesses of all sizes to get started with practical tools to develop a sustainability program.

After nearly 50 years of extraordinary leadership, Rita Mabli will transition from her role as President/CEO of United Hebrew to Senior Advisor. Mark Sanchez, current Administrator and COO of United Hebrew's nursing home, will become President/CEO, effective January 5, 2026.

The Westchester Diverse Abilities Job Fair will return to the Westchester County Center on October 21. There are still some spots available for employers committed to inclusive hiring practices and organizations offering workforce development, training, or support services for individuals with disabilities.

Mercy University has been named a top performer on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026 Best Colleges rankings. This marks the fifth consecutive year of recognition, highlighting Mercy’s commitment to access, opportunity, and transforming lives through higher education.

Young professionals, connect with others across the nonprofit, business, and government sectors at Nonprofit Westchester’s NextGen Westchester event, October 28 at Haiku Asian Bistro in White Plains.

Design + Implementation Group (DIG) is partnering with Distinctive Living to renovate 12 senior living communities across New Jersey, with completion set for 2025. DIG’s vision includes modern finishes, furnishings, and curated artwork, blending timeless character with contemporary design to enrich resident experiences and raise the standard for senior living environments.

John D’Angelo, MD, FACEP, has officially stepped into the role of president and CEO of Northwell Health. A longtime emergency physician turned health system leader, he enters the position with a focus on unifying the Nuvance Health merger and accelerating Northwell’s digital transformation.

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.