WCA in the News

For months now, Montefiore Medical Center has been locked in high-stakes contract negotiations with UnitedHealthcare, one of New York’s largest health insurers. At issue is the cost of medical insurance for 60,000 New Yorkers who live New York City, Westchester and the surrounding region. If no agreement is reached, Montefiore patients covered by UnitedHealthcare will be forced out of network. They will need to stop seeing the Montefiore doctors on which they have come to rely.

“Overall, there is a diversity of real estate sectors in Westchester, so it’s hard to address [the effects of coronavirus] in generalities,” says Michael Romita, president of the Westchester County Association. “The pandemic influenced various sectors in different ways. Clearly, there was a softening in activity in commercial office space, but I wouldn’t say [the impact has been] terrible.” During the early months of the pandemic, he notes, there was not an exodus of office leaseholders; rather, landlords and tenants in general were discussing work-arounds. “Rents were coming in; landlords were getting paid, though some were getting strung out a little bit,” Romita says.

The Westchester County Association has revised its Policy Playbook, a guide for development and economic growth, to include insights, resources and examples of how to develop successful housing initiatives with the goal of helping municipalities meet the needs for more diverse, affordable and available housing. The new Housing Initiatives chapter of the playbook points out that businesses have a stake in solving housing issues.

The business and nonprofit community, led by the Westchester County Association’s Real Estate and Housing Task Force, is developing solutions to this massive problem. A multi-faceted assemblage of real estate, planning, land use, financial, legal, academic and government stakeholders are working collaboratively to generate multi-disciplinary solutions.

Michael N. Romita, president and CEO of the WCA, said, “The advocacy agenda and initiatives outlined in this report are the result of a collaborative effort of some of the region’s most dedicated professionals from business, nonprofit, education, labor and government. As we implement these initiatives and continue to collaborate with key stakeholders across industry sectors and throughout the region, we will achieve tangible progress toward a stronger, more resilient economy for our region.”

“The pandemic hijacked everyone’s plans, but it has exposed challenges and opportunities for growth. Affordable housing, access to high-speed internet, the digital divide, ramping business up for telecommuting, and supporting the healthcare industry have jumped to the forefront,” says Romita, who admits that any other agenda he may have had coming into his new job got summarily changed by the pandemic. It has been a big pivot for Westchester and how business will be done here. Still, Romita remains optimistic about the future. “Sure, we are going through a very difficult period here, with over 14 percent unemployment in the county and somewhere between $90 million and $160 million in reduced tax receipts. Yet, a recent WCA survey showed a clear majority of folks remain optimistic about Westchester’s future and feel the economy will bounce back within the next three years. Only 10 percent were pessimistic about the county’s economic future.”

The Journal News and lohud have partnered with the Westchester County Association to host two forums for Democratic candidates seeking their party's nomination to run in November's general election for the 17th Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Nita Lowey, who plans to retire at the end of the year. The nomination will be determined by a June 23 primary vote. The forums, planned for June 4 and to be introduced by WCA CEO Michael Romita and hosted by veteran lohud/Journal News political correspondent Mark Lungariello, will be hosted live on lohud.com, as well as on our Facebook page: facebook.com/lohud.

Although there still is no definitive time line for the reopening of Westchester County businesses, an effort to help lay the groundwork for economic recovery has been launched by the Westchester County Association (WCA). The Post-Pandemic Working Group (PPWG) is a committee of business, nonprofit and academic leaders. Among the initial members are representatives of Nonprofit Westchester, BCM Corp., Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, CBRE, Cuddy & Feder LLP, Entergy, Mercy College, Simone Healthcare Development, Sterling National Bank, Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Rand Commercial, Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York State and White Plains Hospital.

Reopening our businesses and institutions will be a precursor to the necessary action. Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley is one of the state’s leading economic drivers and it will need to lead the economic road back. While there will be challenges, the post-pandemic environment will also present opportunities to reevaluate and advance priorities to rebuild a stronger and more resilient economy. In order to address these challenges and opportunities head on, the Westchester County Association has convened a Post-Pandemic Working Group (PPWG) of businesses, non-profit, and academic leaders to help our professional institutions recover and prosper in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. Working collaboratively, the PPWG will cultivate a series of pragmatic legislative, regulatory, and developmental solutions for our region that will focus on the regional business and nonprofit issues both caused and highlighted by the current crisis.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities or CARES Act is a sweeping two trillion-dollar federal stimulus passed in response to a sudden financial crisis caused by a poorly understood enemy. The Act focuses more on the acute economic impacts of the crisis than its long-term implications. It is more triage than treatment. Accordingly, once the damage is stabilized and the economic harm can better discerned, the federal government will need to step up again, and in a big way.

Westchester County, NY — [July 24, 2025] — The Westchester County Association (WCA), Westchester County, and The STEM Alliance today 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.

WHITE PLAINS, NY (May 22, 2025) — As cranes rise and hospital campuses expand across Westchester County, new findings unveiled at the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) Annual Real Estate Summit reveal a critical imbalance—Westchester’s housing supply is not keeping up, and the cost of inaction could reach tens of billions of dollars.

White Plains, NY (January 23, 2025) — The Westchester County Association (WCA) launched its 75th anniversary year with newly appointed County Executive Ken Jenkins’ first address to the Westchester business community, where he outlined his vision for the county’s growth and vitality – subjects that drive WCA’s mission.

(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.

White Plains, New York - (November 10, 2023)….Over 450 members of Westchester’s professional community packed the Westchester Marriott ballroom on November 9th for the Westchester County Association’s 73rd annual leadership event.

White Plains (October 12, 2023) More than 300 job seekers lined up to meet with over 40 employers and resource providers at a regional career fair October 12 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.

Connect Westchester is Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development’s new initiative to bridge the digital divide through providing essential digital resources, education and affordable internet access to low-income residents.

White Plains, New York - (September 22, 2023)…In his keynote address at WCA’s “Toasting to a Healthy Westchester,” Michael J. Dowling, CEO, Northwell Health appealed to 250 key leaders in healthcare and business attending this annual dinner to try to solve what he called the social determinants of health, such as gun violence, poverty, obesity, and drugs and alchohol abuse. “If we don’t solve theses issues, we will never improve the health status of Americans,”he said, citing the pressures facing the industry today.

White Plains, New York -- (June 5, 2023) Close to 200 business, nonprofit, and government leaders attended the WCA’s 2nd Annual Sustainable Business Conference hosted in partnership with Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law. The event, held June 1 at the law school, focused on new opportunities in sustainable investing and real estate, navigating an evolving regulatory landscape, and the connection between sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion. New this year, a “Sustainability Bootcamp” workshop served as a primer for businesses of all sizes to get started with practical tools to develop a sustainability program.

White Plains, New York - (December 8, 2022) Susan Fox, WCA Board Chair, President & CEO, White Plains Hospital, and Michael N. Romita, President, and CEO of the Westchester County Association (WCA), announced this week that the WCA, the county’s premier business membership organization, will welcome eight new board members representing important industry sectors to bolster the WCA’s economic development and advocacy work.

Iona University’s on-campus MBA program has once again earned national recognition in The Princeton Review’s “Best Business Schools for 2025.” Known for its personalized attention and career preparation, the LaPenta School of Business continues to grow its reputation as a premier destination for future business leaders. Two new MBA concentrations, HealthCare Management and Human Resource Management, have recently been launched to meet rising demand.

Blythedale Children’s Hospital has appointed Dr. Nathaniel Beers as its next President and CEO, succeeding Larry Levine, who is retiring after 26 years. A respected pediatrician and healthcare executive, Dr. Beers will begin November 17. His leadership background includes roles at Children’s National Hospital and the Washington D.C. Department of Health.

Open Door Family Medical Center is now Open Door Care Network, reflecting its expanded services and regional reach. The rebrand coincides with the organization's 50th anniversary and the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility at 2 Church Street in Ossining, enhancing access to integrated medical and behavioral health care

Newmark welcomes back industry veteran Brian Carcaterra as Executive Managing Director in the Stamford office. With over 20 years of brokerage and ownership experience, he will focus on office tenant and landlord representation in Fairfield and Westchester counties, bringing trusted expertise, strategic insight, and a collaborative approach to today’s evolving office market.

M&T Bank proudly announces the promotion of Lisa Gubernick, Director of Branch Banking; Mark Hutton, Head of Business Banking; and Chris Nichols, Head of Retail Banking. Their leadership will continue driving collaboration, strengthening teams, and creating meaningful impact for clients and communities.

Join the Westchester County Office of Economic Development for ConXpo: The Next Generation on Wednesday, September 10, at the Westchester County Center. This dynamic networking and business development event will empower small businesses and connect them with vital resources and contracting opportunities.

Join The Guidance Center of Westchester on Tuesday, September 9 at GlenArbor Golf Club for a day of golf in support of critical mental health, education, and workforce programs. Sponsorships and player spots available. Your participation helps empower lives across Westchester.

Do you know an innovative, Westchester-based tech venture? Westchester County’s Element 46 Tech Accelerator by QUAY Acceleration is accepting applications for its 10th cohort beginning in September. A virtual info session for interested founders will take place on Monday, August 11. Help spread the word!

We’re proud to celebrate WCA members Derek Anderson, (Northern Westchester Hospital), Corrine Lurry-Mabin (Andrus), Dr. Philip Ozuah (Montefiore Medicine), and J.D. Summa (Kings Capital Construction) for being named among Westchester Magazine’s 2025 Top CEOs & Business Leaders of the Year. Your leadership and impact inspire us all.

SUNY has appointed Dr. Michael Steiper as the seventh president of Purchase College, effective August 11. A seasoned academic and administrator, Dr. Steiper brings over two decades of experience and a deep commitment to higher education, creativity, and access.