WCA in the News

It may come as no surprise, but county executives in Westchester and the Hudson Valley have upbeat views of where their counties stand financially, in the recovery from Covid, as hosts to businesses and in helping residents enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

When Hurricane Ida smashed into Mamaroneck in September 2021, businesses across the town faced some of the worst flooding in living memory. "We had six feet of water in our two front buildings and four feet of water in our shop building," recalls Michael Murphy of Murphy Brothers Contracting, a 50-year-old, family-owned and Mamaroneck-based general contracting firm. "That storm was a monster."

Leslie Hollingsworth has 16 years of experience teaching third grade in New York City. She enjoyed the position — it’s easier to mold their minds in third grade, she said of teaching young children versus teenagers — but circumstances have led her back to the job market.

Last November, the number of people who voluntarily left their jobs spiked to a record 4.5 million — and that was in just one month according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. What’s that about? Reasons for those walking out are unreasonably low wages, poor working conditions, no career path, and no benefits. The message from workers: we want better jobs with decent pay and jobs that have a future.

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital bought a piece of the Platinum Mile in White Plains and plans to open an outpatient care facility on Westchester Avenue, the hospital announced Tuesday.

Gov. Kathy Hochul removed two controversial pieces of housing-related legislation from her proposed Executive Budget last week, both of which drew harsh criticisms from most municipal officials throughout Westchester and the state.

The Westchester County Association has launched a Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program to ease labor challenges in the region.

In her executive budget, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed streamlined, as-of-right zoning legislation for both accessory dwelling units and transit-oriented development. There is a resurgent conversation surrounding statewide fixes to this serious problem and New York needs to act.

Five Westchester and Hudson Valley organizations have joined in a push for the New York State Legislature to pass legislation that could help create more housing in numerous communities.

In Yonkers, N.Y., a digital opportunity zone — aptly named the Y-Zone — has been helping to level the playing field for those without consistent access to the Internet or the devices and know-how needed to make use of it.

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.