WCA in the News

“Our local communities have to understand that in many cases there’s a NIMBYism that’s a tremendous barrier to get the housing that we need,” Romita said. “We need to find the ways to break the logjams. But where the governor’s proposal starts out, it’s not the zombie apocalypse that a lot of people make it out to be. It’s not telling local communities what to do; it’s telling them to please do something.”

On Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, the Westchester County Office of Economic Development (OED) and the Westchester County Association (WCA) hosted All Access Healthcare: Regional Life Sciences Outlook. Approximately 100 people attended the in-person panel presentation, which was held at the Auditorium at 360 Hamilton Avenue in White Plains.

“New York’s housing shortage is decades-long in the making and continues to be a serious impediment to economic growth and community vitality,” said Michael Romita, president and CEO of the WCA. “It is choking off upward mobility for our residents and is hurting our businesses.”

Says Michael Romita, WCA president and CEO, from healthcare workers to staff accountants to the people who make your morning latte, affordable housing “pretty much touches every single industry out there.”

WCA President & CEO Michael N. Romita said: “This is a solid and thoughtful budget. It includes a decrease in property taxes while boosting reserves.”

It was a night to reflect on leadership and legacies as the Westchester County Association held its 72nd annual dinner Nov. 17 in the ballroom of the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown.

Dear County Executive Latimer, Commissioner Drummond, Budget Director Soule, and Chair Borgia: Westchester’s housing shortage is decades-long in the making and continues to be a serious impediment to economic growth and community vitality. It remains a shared challenge for our businesses, nonprofits, workers, residents, and local municipalities.

Long Island and Westchester build housing at some of the lowest rates of any suburban area in the country, fueling high rents and home prices across the region.

The newly passed federal Inflation Reduction Act, a climate, health and tax measure, will bolster New York's efforts to aggressively reduce carbon emissions under the state's own landmark 2019 Climate Act. Some in the business community have been slow to embrace the pathway to a clean-energy economy. They view New York's ambitious road map as impractical, unrealistic and threatening to the state's economic future. However, indictments of the council's work coupled with calls to amend the underlying state statute are shortsighted and misdirected. Either we face the economic realities of climate change and address them head-on or we pay an even greater price in the long run.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic took root in 2020, Bona Fide Masks has provided national distribution of masks direct from manufacturers Powecom, DemeTECH, Chengde and Harley.

Pelham, NY — January 22, 2026 — The Westchester County Association (WCA) today announced the formation of the Westchester Economic Alliance, a new, joint countywide economic development initiative launched in partnership with Westchester County Government.

(November 20, 2025 – New Rochelle, NY) — More than 450 business, nonprofit, and government leaders gathered at Glen Island Harbour Club on November 19 for the Westchester County Association’s (WCA) “Impact in Action” Annual Leadership Event—the capstone celebration of the organization’s 75th anniversary.

(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.

Christopher Fisher, partner at Cuddy + Feder LLP and WCA Board Chair, will lead a discussion on AI Data Center development in the U.S. at Connect (X): Powered by WIA on May 5 in Fort Lauderdale. The panel will focus on how investment strategies are evolving to meet growing demand and shifting state and local dynamics.

Burke has announced the appointment of Ryan Joyce as Vice President, Development to lead the development and philanthropic strategy at Burke in close partnership with hospital leadership and its Board of Trustees. In this role, Joyce will strengthen fundraising performance, deepen donor engagement, and expand opportunities across individual giving, institutional philanthropy, and government grants.

Congratulations to WCA members recognized as 914INC. Wunderkinds of 2026: Michael Conigliaro, GHP Office Realty; Liberta Barcia, Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP; Derick Ansah, Ciara Mulligan, Feeding Westchester; Gregory Maugeri, RXR; Ryan Hirt, Access: Supports For Living; Teddy Bugniazet, Marsh McLennan Agency; Laura Lulgjuraj, Houlihan Lawrence; Joe D’Aloisio, Iona University; Sydney Ericson, Westchester Medical Center Health Network; Steven Still, Abrams Fensterman, LLP.

The WCA celebrates the following members for being named to City & State New York’s 2026 Who’s Who in Energy: Justin Driscoll, President and CEO, New York Power Authority; Travis Proulx, Vice President for External Affairs, Fordham University; Philip J. Schade, Executive Vice President and Chief Market Director, H2M; and Jamal Wilkerson, Manager of Communications and Public Affairs, New York Transco.

As the Hudson Valley Social Care Network expands, HVCC appoints two new healthcare leaders to its board: Marlene Ripa, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Network Strategy at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall, and Matilde L. Román, Senior Vice President and Chief Inclusion and Impact Officer at Westchester Medical Center Health Network.

Steven D. Schwartz, CPA has been appointed to co-lead CohnReznick’s Community Health practice, joining Peter R. Epp. Together, Steven and Peter will work to continue expanding the firm’s impact in the community health space, deepening client relationships, and supporting the evolving needs of the communities our clients serve.

Congratulations to Susan Fox, White Plains Hospital; Prabhjot Grewal, Montefiore Medical Center; John D’Angelo, Northwell Health; Jared Nagley, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and Hampton; Daniel Blum, ENT & Allergy Associates; Fawaz Al-Mufti, New York Medical College; Mangala Narasimhan, Northwell Health; Brian G. Donley, NewYork-Presbyterian; Andrew Wuertele, East River Medical Imaging; Philip Ozuah, Montefiore Einstein; David Lubarsky, Westchester Medical Center Health Network; David Rivadeneira, Northwell Health.

Congratulations to Ulrich Steidl, MD, PhD, on his appointment as Director of the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center and Vice President of Cancer Medicine. A nationally recognized physician-scientist and leader, Dr. Steidl will advance innovative cancer care, research, and community impact across the Bronx and beyond.

The Westchester County Life Sciences Monthly Networking event will be on April 22 in Tarrytown with a presentation from Yaniv Sneor, one of the founders of Mid Atlantic Bio Angels. We welcome life sciences innovators and investors, founders and employees to gather for networking.

Chinchorreo White Plains brings the vibrant spirit of Puerto Rico—from comedy, music and dance to artisan crafts, family activities and literary readings—to the heart of Westchester. Special highlights: April 24: Comedian Eli Castro April 25: Live bomba music, dance April 26: Author readings and book talks Read more.