White Plains, New York – (November 21, 2022)…. Westchester’s professional community packed the Westchester Marriott ballroom on November 17th for the Westchester County Association’s annual leadership dinner to honor Westchester’s most influential leaders and celebrate another year of impactful work by the WCA, the region’s premiere business advocacy and economic development organization. Over 450 movers and shakers gathered to honor three distinguished and talented visionaries in real estate, healthcare, and municipal government: Robert P. Weisz, President & CEO, RPW Group, Inc., Anthony Viceroy, President & COO, Summit Health, and Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.
In welcoming remarks, Susan Fox, WCA Board Chair and President & CEO, White Plains Hospital, and Michael N. Romita, WCA President & CEO, reflected on the WCA’s achievements and set the stage for a big year ahead.
Said Fox, “Throughout the WCA’s history, we have learned that so much can be accomplished when passionate, motivated people come together and work together to better their community. As Westchester settles into its new economic normal, the WCA will continue to lead the way, facilitating opportunities that will drive impactful economic development.”
Said Romita, “The WCA brings leaders together to collaborate in a way that is vital to the their organizations, their communities, and the region’s economic health. We create opportunity for business. The honorees tonight embody that principle: they are strategic thinkers who seize opportunities, drive investment, and play an essential role in strengthening economic vitality in Westchester. It is our honor to recognize their achievements and efforts to shape Westchester’s future.”
Fox and Romita announced that in 2023, the WCA is ramping up efforts in healthcare advocacy, including health insurance reform, talent development, real estate and affordable housing, digital connectivity, and business sustainability.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer shared his perspective on what constitutes successful leadership in these uncertain times: “What makes Westchester special is the talent of the people, and the WCA represents the best of the best. In this room, and in the three leaders you are honoring, there is talent in every field of endeavor. These honorees have learned what the true challenge of leadership is, which is to adapt to changing times. I learn every day from your examples. Thank you for all that you have done.”
Robert P. Weisz received the Alfred B. Delbello Visionary Award for his role in changing the face of real estate in Westchester. The award was presented by his son, Andrew Weisz, Executive Vice President, RPW Group, and Dee DelBello, CEO/Publisher, Westfair Communications. Said Robert Weisz, “I came to this country looking for opportunities, and this country delivered to me— and so many others— the American dream. In the environment we are in today, is the time to remember that what we have in common is so much greater than what separates us. United is how we must move forward, because the best days are still ahead of us.”
Anthony Viceroy received the WCA Leadership Award for his role in attracting a major new player into Westchester’s $18B healthcare ecosystem — Summit Health. Amy Allen, WCA Vice President, presented the award. Said Viceroy, “Over the last few years, we’ve seen extraordinary events and challenges unfold. As a community, we know how to face these challenges, and we’ve worked together to overcome them. I’m confident about the future for our region. In this room, we have so many great organizations and leaders who innovate, inspire, and work together toward the vitality of our community. Through the leadership of the WCA, we have a forum and a voice to make a real difference.”
Mayor Mike Spano/The City of Yonkers received the WCA Leadership Award for achievements in digital connectivity, affordable housing initiatives, clean energy, and economic development. The award was presented by Christopher Fisher, Partner at Cuddy & Feder and Vice Chair of the WCA Board. Said Spano: “Thank you for this award and recognizing the City of Yonkers. Today we have $5 billion in economic development sitting in the ground, 4,000 new units of housing built or being built, and new film studios being built in the next year or so. Yonkers is a great place where you want to live, work, raise a family, and make an investment —a place you would want to make your home.”
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. For a downloadable pdf, click here.