WCA in the News

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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

Medicaid provides healthcare to families with modest incomes, young adults who have aged off their parents’ insurance, people with disabilities and frail elderly individuals in long-term care. It covers your neighbors, your kids, your parents and grandparents. And it is now on the chopping block. The program is administered by the states and jointly funded with the federal government. It is not cheap, costing more than $600 billion a year. That is why it is in Congress’ crosshairs.

VALHALLA – With thousands of job openings in the Hudson Valley, educators and employers are collaborating to train a new generation of phone-centric workers who may lack social skills like making eye contact. The number of private sector jobs in the Hudson Valley grew by 1.9% to 819,000 in January, with the largest gains occurring in education and health services, as well as leisure and hospitality. But many employers are having trouble filling jobs. In fact, across New York state, about 500,000 open positions still need to be filled.

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

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (January 10, 2019) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer this morning at the Westchester County Association Breakfast signed signed a 99-year lease agreement for the North 60 project. The agreement for the county-owned land is the key to the development of a $1.2 billion biotech project on the Grasslands Reservation in Valhalla.

United Hebrew’s 39th Annual Golf Tournament raised $280,000 to enhance senior services and launch a therapeutic Virtual Reality program in its memory care communities. The immersive therapy lets seniors “travel” the world from their chairs, reducing agitation while sparking joy and connection.

Burke Rehabilitation will host a ribbon-cutting and speaking program with elected officials and leaders to unveil its state-of-the-art Mount Vernon outpatient therapy site. Media may tour the facility, capture photos/B-roll, and interview leadership. The center expands tri-state access to Burke’s award-winning, patient-centered care. RSVP by September 22, 2025 to jmartin@issuesgroup.com.

New York Medical College has been awarded a $400,000 Hyundai Hope Scholar Grant from Hyundai Hope on Wheels to advance pediatric cancer research. Jeremy Rosenblum, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics, will use the grant to study a rare bone cancer affecting children and young adults. It's part of Hyundai's Hope on Wheels: $277 million in donations to support pediatric cancer research nationwide.

The Entering and Re-entering the Workforce Job Fair on October 16 in White Plains will provide employers with the opportunity to meet motivated job seekers who are enthusiastic about learning a new skill, reinventing themselves, and bringing their valuable life experience to your workplace. Register by October 3.

The Northwell School of Health Sciences opened in Queens, welcoming 240 students. A partnership with NYC Public Schools, Northwell Health, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, the school blends academic and hands-on healthcare training. It builds career pathways, addresses workforce shortages, and prepares students for meaningful, well-paying healthcare careers.

Congratulations to WCA members Citrin Cooperman, NewYork-Presbyterian, Hudson Valley Care Coalition, HANAC, and Con Edison for recognition in City & State’s Above & Beyond: Social Services 2025. We also applaud Builders Institute (BRI), CBRE, and Crown Castle honored as 2025 Real Estate Trailblazers. Together, your leadership strengthens communities and drives regional growth.

Pace University has reappointed Horace E. Anderson Jr. as dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, beginning his next term in January 2026. Since 2019, Dean Anderson has led Haub Law to five consecutive No. 1 national rankings in Environmental Law, expanded academic programs, and advanced access to justice initiatives. His reappointment underscores Pace’s commitment to innovation, diversity, and preparing practice-ready legal professionals.

Join the Westchester County Office of Economic Development on September 10 at the County Center for a dynamic networking and business development event that will empower small businesses and connect them with vital resources and contracting opportunities. ConXpo offers a valuable platform to learn, connect, and thrive.

Cuddy & Feder LLP proudly announces that several attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™. These honors reflect the firm’s longstanding commitment to excellence across practice areas, reinforcing its reputation as a leading regional law firm.

Westchester County’s Office for People with Disabilities and Office of Economic Development will host the 7th Diverse Abilities Job Fair on October 21 at the County Center. Free to attend, the fair connects employers with hundreds of enthusiastic job seekers of all abilities. Exhibitors should RSVP by October 10. Register here! Questions? Contact Shari Rosen Ascher or call 914-995-2907