WCA in the News

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.

The U.S. House of Representatives has advanced a plan to slash about $700 billion from Medicaid over the next ten years. Not only would major cuts to Medicaid harm the health of New Yorkers, but they would also ravage healthcare providers and undermine the state’s economy.

The health care industry is entrenched as a backbone of Westchester's economy. With the rapid expansion of hospitals and health care facilities, thousands of new jobs are expected to be created in the coming years. Health care jobs are generally competitive and well-paying. Yet, many remain unfilled.

In September of 2021, when Hurricane Ida pummeled Westchester County—and Mamaroneck in particular—Michael Murphy doubled down on a plan. The director of business development at Murphy Brothers Contracting saw firsthand (but not for the first time) how Ida’s flooding devastated businesses. Year after year, as storms became more powerful, merchants in the area saw their properties submerged and inventories destroyed with no relief in sight

The Post-Pandemic Working Group is pursuing a comprehensive and cooperative approach to the region’s economic development challenges that were both created and made more apparent by the coronavirus crisis. It will cultivate and advance a series of legislative, regulatory, and developmental priorities focused not just on getting our economy restarted but also making sure it grows stronger and more resilient for the long term.

We await the findings of the Medicaid Redesign Team and we are dedicated to working with our State representatives to ensure that the team’s recommendations do not unduly burden Westchester’s health systems or place patients and others in need at unnecessary risk.

William P. Harrington, Jr., Chairman of the Westchester County Association (WCA), announced today that Michael N. Romita will become the next President & CEO of the WCA, the County’s leading economic development and business advocacy organization, effective March 1, 2020.

The Westchester County Association (WCA) – Westchester’s leading economic development and business advocacy organization – today announced the appointment of twelve new members to its board of directors, a new vice chair of its board of directors, and three board members to its executive committee.

Nationally-renowned experts and local stakeholders will convene to discuss innovative solutions to the region’s employer recruitment and retention challenges at the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) first-ever Regional Workforce Development Summit, to be held at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, NY, on Thursday, January 16th at 8 a.m.

William P. Harrington, Chairman of the Westchester County Association (WCA), announced today that John E. Ritacco, a financial services executive who was the former President and CEO of CMS Bancorp Inc., a publicly traded financial institution, will be appointed as Interim President/CEO of the WCA, effective January 1, 2020, as the search for a new leader progresses. Ritacco will remain in the position until a successor to William M.  Mooney, Jr., the current President and CEO, is found.

County’s leading business advocacy association embarks on a vigorous process to find its new leader as economic activity burgeons in the region.

Westchester County Association hosts annual wine pairing dinner to support healthcare advocacy initiatives

White Plains, N.Y. (July 22, 2019) – Jason Chapin has joined the Westchester County Association (WCA) as Director of Workforce Development. Before joining WCA, Mr. Chapin coordinated and managed federal, state and foundation grants for The City University of New York, The State University of New York and The WorkPlace, a nationally recognized not-for-profit based in Connecticut. In addition, he has managed state-wide education, training and employment programs in New York and Connecticut that have served more than 25,000 adults and their families.

Westchester County Association (WCA) brought together nearly 300 regional leaders in commercial and residential real estate, as well as government and planning officials and community organizations, for its 3rd Annual Real Estate Summit

The AI in Business Certificate Program is designed to equip business leaders and professionals with strategic, ethical AI skills and knowledge to drive performance, innovation, efficiency, and data-driven decision making. Applicable across industries, the program emphasizes hands-on learning, practical applications, and industry engagement.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Westchester County are bringing together employers, RPI alumni, students, parents, and Westchester residents for an educational summit on November 24. If you're hiring, seeking internships/career opportunities, or exploring professional development, join us for lunch, a career fair, and networking.

White Plains Hospital Physicians Associates Center is officially open. The 70,000–square-foot facility in Scarsdale provides a comprehensive team approach to care and patient access to more than 40 physician experts across 20 different medical specialties, including advanced imaging and diagnostic testing.

Pace University hosted its inaugural Actionable AI Conference, featuring Google Cloud’s Charles Elliot, who urged attendees to “be curious” and embrace evolving technologies. Nearly 200 students, faculty, and business leaders explored practical, ethical AI applications shaping education, workforce development, and innovation, solidifying Pace’s role as a leader in responsible AI adoption.

Nearly half of City & State’s 100 regional power players come from WCA member organizations: 46 leaders shaping policy, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities across the region. Congratulations to all on this well-deserved recognition!

Cuddy & Feder Partner Kristen Motel, Chair of the Cannabis Law group, has been recognized in the Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers 2025–2026 by Cannabis Law Report. Selected through client and peer surveys, Kristen advises operators, investors, and entrepreneurs on cannabis licensing, zoning, and approvals, and is a recognized industry leader.

Northwell Health has opened Northwell Health Physician Partners Otolaryngology at 244 Westchester Ave. in White Plains, a new 3,000-square-foot facility designed to meet rising demand for adult and pediatric ENT services. The $2 million center offers comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced up to $100 million funding for Westchester Medical Center to support the full integration of Bon Secours Charity Health System of the Hudson Valley into the WMCHealth network, streamlining operations across the system to enhance quality of care.

At Mercy University, students have opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. Through internships, co-ops, clinical rotations, service learning, volunteer work, and student teaching, Mercy ensures every student can gain hands-on experience in the field.

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.