WCA in the News

As New York state continues on its mission to meet clean energy goals, the real estate industry in the Lower Hudson Valley is embracing a new mindset — with hopes of reducing carbon emissions.

To harness the promise of the ACP, the Westchester County Association together with the STEM Alliance and other partners launched two first-of-its-kind, digital connectivity initiatives, the Yonkers-based YZone and the county-wide Connect Westchester.

It’s hard to believe in this age of hyper-connectivity, but about half a million people living in New York City and its suburbs still lack access to high-speed broadband despite more than a decade of state and federal programs that have poured billions of dollars into closing the digital divide.

With the rapid rise of AI, remote work, sustainability, and cybersecurity, remaining up-to-the-second with business trends is not only smart, it can make or break a company.

Beginning in 2022, the Westchester County Association’s Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program placed and trained 100 workers with regional healthcare providers. The initiative funded by a grant from Westchester County has an annual economic impact of more than $3.5 million.

Brightcore is just one of numerous players in Westchester County creating a more sustainable future. The reasons why are obvious to anyone paying attention to recent climate “events” — a mushy word for disasters, like excessive heat, flooding, smoky air, and others, that are becoming more frequent and severe.

The purpose of the partnership is to work collaboratively and in a coordinated fashion to respond to the severe lack of housing in Westchester County for people at a wide range of income levels by advancing a pro-housing agenda through legislative and regulatory means at the state, county and local levels.

At the recent Westchester County Association’s 73rd annual leadership event Michael N. Romita, WCA president and CEO, announced two new WCA-led initiatives designed to extend the impact of the organization.

The Westchester County Office of Economic Development (OED) and Westchester County Association (WCA) today announced the Westchester Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program (HTPP), which launched in spring of 2022, has connected 101 hires to employment.

At the local level, Westchester County, N.Y., has launched a new initiative to increase access to affordable Internet and education. Launched by the county's Office of Economic Development, the program will leverage partnerships with the STEM Alliance, the Westchester County Association (WCA) and the Westchester Library System.

(October 13, 2025) … Westchester County leaders, healthcare executives, and policymakers gathered at the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) annual Toasting to a Healthy Westchester: An Evening to Celebrate WCA’s Legacy of Healthcare Advocacy & Initiatives.

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.

Congratulations to Andrea Cefarelli for being named Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and to Clay Rich for being named Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Blood & Laboratory Operations at the New York Blood Center. Their leadership will play a key role in advancing the organization’s mission and impact in healthcare.

Webster Bank's EVP and Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, Marissa Weidner, is deservingly recognized on Women We Admire’s Top 50 Women Leaders in Banking list for 2025. Marissa’s vision, leadership, and dedication to strengthening communities reflect the very best of Webster Bank’s values and impact.

Cuddy & Feder LLP welcomes Jason Gershenson as Special Counsel in its Corporate and Cannabis Practice Groups. With extensive experience in venture financings, M&A, fund formation, and cross-border transactions, Jason strengthens the firm’s corporate capabilities and complements its leading real estate and finance practices.

Burke Rehabilitation hosted a ribbon cutting for its newest outpatient facility in Mount Vernon, the 15th in its expanding network. The state-of-the-art center will deliver comprehensive rehabilitation services, supporting 15,000 patient visits annually.

The Entering and Re-entering 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.

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.