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Contact: Mike Johnston
Marino
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mjohnston@marinopr.com
WESTCHESTER’S TOP ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP EYES NEW LEADER
Westchester County Association Forms Search Committee to Identify New Executive to Lead Organization;
Widely Respected Long-time President & CEO William Mooney, Jr. Completes Historic Transformation of WCA
White Plains, NY – [October 29, 2018] – The Westchester County Association (WCA), Westchester’s most powerful economic development organization, has embarked on a search for a new leader to succeed longtime president and CEO William Mooney Jr., a giant in the region’s business and banking communities whose storied career has spanned more than 50 years.
Mooney, who will step down from his position following a planned succession, recently shepherded the WCA’s years-long transition from a business membership network to a formidable driver of economic development across Westchester. Under his leadership, the WCA has earned a reputation for developing and advocating for policies and initiatives that are growing the county’s thriving healthcare industry, advancing the development of its gigabit-speed broadband infrastructure, leading the way in workforce development and clearing a path for smart housing and real estate development.
Mooney was elected president and CEO of the Westchester County Association in 2004. According to colleagues who work closely with Mooney, his mission constantly evolved in response to a rapidly-changing economy and he always went beyond the call of duty to ensure the region remained competitive.
“Bill’s dedication to Westchester County and its economic growth is second to none,” said William P. Harrington, chairman of the board of directors of the WCA. “Through his vision, leadership, deep understanding of the economy and ability to work with people across the political spectrum, Bill has earned the trust of top executives, entrepreneurs and elected officials throughout the region, and solidified the Westchester County Association as the preeminent economic development organization.”
“Over the last number of years, I have watched as people first throughout the region, then New York State and eventually across the country came to recognize Westchester County as the remarkable place I have always known it to be,” said Mooney. “Leading the Westchester County Association has been my life’s great honor, and I could not be prouder of the role our team has played in contributing to the county’s continued economic growth. I am confident Westchester’s best days are still ahead and look forward to supporting the WCA’s next leader in realizing the vision we have developed together.”
During Mooney’s tenure, the WCA amassed an incredible record of accomplishments that have moved the needle for Westchester’s business community. Among the WCA’s key achievements:
• Developed the Blueprint for Westchester, a comprehensive advocacy campaign that has resulted in the repurposing, reactivation and redevelopment of millions of square feet of under- and unutilized space as vibrant mixed-use
• Created and led the landmark Blue Ribbon Task Force on Healthcare Reform, which won passage of a number of substantial pieces of market conduct legislation, as well as the return of more than $60 million in overcharges of premiums to area businesses
• Served as project manager for the largest workforce development initiative in Westchester County history, the result of a $9.8 million federally funded grant, which has placed hundreds of Hudson Valley residents in good middle-class jobs
Prior to joining the WCA, Mooney had a long and distinguished career in the banking industry, including serving as a senior vice president of Independence Community Bank where he was responsible for all business activities in Westchester County and Connecticut, executive vice president of Union State Bank, where he managed retail banking activities and business development and President & CEO of Hudson Valley Bank. Earlier in his career, Mooney worked for Chase Manhattan Bank and Chemical Bank with responsibility for all retail and small business activities in the New York Metropolitan area. Mooney began his banking career with Citibank and at the age of 19 received the “Most Creative and Best Idea Award” in the corporation, which led to a Citibank Academic Foundation Award to attend college.
“This is an exciting announcement that reflects our growth today as an organization as well as our vision for the future,” said Amy Allen, vice president at the WCA. “Whoever replaces Bill will have enormous shoes to fill, but a great opportunity to shape how we meet the needs of a changing Westchester economy.”
To identify Mooney’s successor, the WCA has formed a search committee. The committee will begin its search immediately for a candidate who can create a vision to grow the WCA into a leading presence in the Hudson Valley. The ideal candidate will have a passion for Westchester County, a keen understanding of both the political landscape and industry trends across a number of key sectors, and a proven track record of fundraising. Mooney will work with his successor through the transition process and remain with the WCA in an advisory capacity through 2019. Interested applicants can submit resumes and cover letters to AAllen@westchester.org.
The WCA represents Westchester’s foremost companies as well as municipalities, nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education – supporting their objectives through direct advocacy and original programming.
Since its inception in 1950, the WCA has earned a reputation for delivering results for its members and the community at large. Its team has provided critical public testimony in support of billions of dollars of development projects, lobbied for healthcare reforms that have benefited healthcare providers and patients, and placed hundreds of Westchester residents in good jobs with leading businesses.
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