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Four Exceptional Westchester Leaders Honored at Westchester County Association ‘Impact in Action’ Leadership Event


Transforming our region through their innovative approaches to energy, housing, the environment, and workforce development

(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. The event, attended by over 400 business, nonprofit, and community leaders, celebrated the transformational impact the WCA has had in Westchester County where its efforts have helped to successfully strengthen Westchester’s economic vitality and spur business development and job creation.

 

In welcoming remarks, Susan Fox, WCA Board Chair and President & CEO, White Plains Hospital, highlighted the WCA’s accomplishments this year.

 

Said Fox, “Leadership is about inspiring and motivating others to turn a shared vision into reality. This year, WCA has embodied that spirit by transforming big ideas into action. We’ve been a driving force behind Westchester’s growth, resilience, and innovation, supporting our community through unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Through economic advancement, strategic partnerships, and resource sharing, we have equipped our members to navigate a dynamic landscape with confidence and purpose.”

 

The honorees exemplify the WCA’s values of innovation, dedication, and community impact, noted Michael N. Romita, President & CEO, WCA. “These four individuals and companies are transforming our region through their innovative approaches to energy, housing, the environment, and workforce development — meeting challenges head-on and finding new pathways forward. As we acknowledge the role of leadership, we also celebrate their achievements and ability to inspire others.”

 

Meg Glander, Director of External Affairs at Crown Castle, received the WCA’s New Leader Trailblazer Award. Glander drives the success of WCA’s Connect Westchester initiative and helped launch the Hudson Valley’s first-ever digital connectivity conference “CONVERGE.”

 

Justin E. Driscoll, President & CEO of the New York Power Authority, received the WCA Leadership Award. He is widely credited with advancing New York’s clean energy goals with two billion-dollar projects to remake the Hudson Valley’s’ energy grid a model for the rest of the nation.

 

The NRP Group received the WCA Leadership Award, accepted by Jonathan Gertman, Senior Vice President of Development, Northeast. Known for its innovative approaches, NRP Group is tackling our acute housing shortage through community-focused developments in New Rochelle, White Plains, and Harrison.

 

John R. Nolon, Founder, Pace Land Use Law Center at Pace University, received the Alfred B. DelBello Visionary Award. He is recognized as one of the prominent thought leaders in land use law and has spent decades advocating for sustainable land use and smart growth policies to positively shape the region’s future.

 

Beyond honoring Westchester leaders, the evening spotlighted the WCA’s achievements during an action-packed year dedicated to establishing Westchester as a center of economic opportunity, growth, and upward mobility. Key milestones include:

 

  • Helping to address the acute housing shortage, the WCA and Welcome Home Westchester created a “5 in 2025” action plan and convened a bootcamp for newly elected municipal officials to help them tackle affordable housing in their communities.

 

  • Grappling with cybersecurity and cyberattacks, the WCA organized an All-Access Healthcare panel of experts who provided valuable information about maintaining a defensive, in-depth preventative approach.

 

  • To help mitigate workforce shortages, the WCA’s 1000 Jobs Challenge placed over 200 workers resulting in $20M in local economic impact.

 

  • To bridge workforce gaps between what students learn and what employers need, WCA convened a Workforce Summit with experts who emphasized the importance of collaboration between businesses and academic institutions.
  • Helping businesses on the path to sustainability, the WCA organized Profit & Purpose ’24 with actionable insights on energy policy, business strategy, finance, law, and compliance.

 

  • WCA hosted four successful regional job fairs, bringing together 500+ job and internship seekers with 75+ employers.

 

  • Highlighting the growing trend of real estate developers taking steps to combat climate change, the WCA hosted a real estate conference where experts discussed sustainable development and released its 2024 Policy Playbook with new chapters on clean energy and climate resiliency.

 

  • WCA’s event “Toasting to a Healthy Westchester” supported Westchester’s vital healthcare sector and honored industry champions.

 

The evening also marked the countdown to a milestone year—WCA’s 75th anniversary in 2025—a celebration of its legacy as Westchester’s premier convening and advocacy organization.

 

“Looking ahead, the WCA remains focused on initiatives in clean energy, housing, healthcare, digital equity, and workforce development to ensure a resilient and equitable future for the region,” added Romita.

 

For more information about the Westchester County Association and its initiatives, please visit Westchester.org.

 

About the Westchester County Association

The Westchester County Association is the most influential professional membership organization in Westchester and the surrounding region. We unite professional leaders to advance issues and lead initiatives that strengthen our regional economy.  Our mission is to drive Westchester’s economic vitality, stimulate new business development and job creation, and provide our members with the resources and talent they need to grow. For more information about the Westchester County Association, visit www.westchester.org.