THE THE BUSINESS BUSINESS MAGAZINE MAGAZINE OF OF WESTCHESTER WESTCHESTER
TOP BUSINESS LEADERS
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JEWEL WILLIAMS JOHNSON Legislator, District 8 Westchester County Board of Legislators
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contents 36
JULY/AUGUST 2026 VOL. 17, NUMBER 3
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 8 ThINC Out Loud A note from the editor.
11 ThINC Positive
Meet a wealth advisor whose days and nights revolve around finance and family; a look back at our special events honoring people making Westchester better for all of us.
51 ThINC Fast
A guide to local networking groups; the AI tool your competitors are already using; making the most of your Google profile; and a website worth bookmarking (hint: it unlocks copious free resources).
FROM TOP: COURTESY ARTS WESTCHESTER; IVÁN WATANABE
11 18 on the cover The County’s Top Business Leaders
Talented, truly committed people running companies, nonprofits, and other key Westchester institutions are a huge part of what makes our area great. Meet 14 visionaries guiding their organizations with eyes towards the future. By Jonna Gallo Weppler and Jessica Jafet
30 Industry Deep Dive: Insurance Agencies
The insurance industry as a whole is struggling with evolving risks, increasingly complex coverage scenarios, and rapidly rising costs, while 2
on the consumer side, premiums pose an everincreasing burden. Westchester-area insurance agents are focused on showing up for their clients and helping them navigate the process of protecting themselves and their families. By Susan Schulz Wuornos
36 Working Together To Do Good
When businesses and nonprofits form successful partnerships to raise awareness or funds for important causes, everybody comes out ahead. Successful collaborations depend on communication and clear expectations. By Andrea Atkins
COVER CREDITS
Photographer: Doug Schneider, dougschneiderphoto.com Location: HudCo, a space for working, private parties, and community events. hudco.co
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914INC.July/August 2026, Vol. 17, Number 3. Copyright ©2026 (ISSN: 2575-7385; USPS: 20470) is published six times per year by Today Media, a Martinelli Holdings LLC, 2 Clinton Avenue, Rye, NY 10580. Periodicals postage paid at Rye, NY, and additional mailing offices. All rights reserved. 914INC. is a registered trademark of Today Media, a Martinelli Holdings LLC. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. 914INC. assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Subscription: $19.96 a year. Call 800.254.2213. ATTENTION POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 914INC., PO Box 291785 Kettering, OH 45429. Address changes should be accompanied by a mailing label from a recent issue.
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PARTNER CONTENT
CONNECTICUT // Best Bestin inBanking Banking CONNECTICUT
Spreading Spreading Spreading the Wealth
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Spreading the Wealth
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hilenational nationalchains chainsand anddigdighile hile national chains and digiital-first platforms dominate ital-first platforms dominate tal-first platforms dominate with scaleand andspeed, speed, TheFirst First with scale The In one of the nation’s with scale and speed, First Bankof ofGreenwich Greenwich winsby byThe staying personal. Bank wins staying personal. most competitive banking Bank Greenwich wins by stayAtThe Theof First BankofofGreenwich Greenwich realpeople people At First Bank real markets, The First Bank ing personal. At The First Bank An overwhelming sense of answer phones; clients are greeted by name; have all the tech the big banks have, answer phones; clients are greeted by name; of Greenwich proves of Greenwich real people answer commitment to personal service andwhen whensomething somethingneeds needsattention, attention,the the but we’ve never lost our personal and phones; clients service, are greeted by that personal also extends to everyFrank part of the touch. That’s what sets us apart.” bank president’s direct number is available and bank president’s directsomething number is available Frank J. J. Gaudio, Gaudio, name; and when needsand responsiveness, and results business, includingPresident lending. Since and ready to call. This kind of access is rare in modPresident and CEO CEO attention, thekind bank ready to call.most. This of president’s access is rare in modmatter Gaudio stepped in as president Actions Speak Louder Than Words ern banking, but in the high-pressure markets direct number is available and ern banking, but in the high-pressure markets in 2014, the bank has significantly A longtimeSpeak resident of Westchester, hile national chains of and digofFairfield Fairfield and Westchester Counties, where Actions Louder Than business, including lending. ready to call. This kind access is of and Westchester Counties, where Actions Speak Louder Than business, lending. Since Since expandedincluding its loan capabilities, ital-first platforms dominate and with more than three decades rare in modern banking, but in the Gaudio stepped in as as president in 2014, the expectations run high and competition is Words and speed, First regularly financing deals of up Gaudio stepped in president in 2014, the expectationswith runscale high and The competition is Words oflongtime banking experience in the and with bank has significantly expanded its loan high-pressure markets of Fairfield BankThe of Greenwich wins by staying personal. fierce, First Bank of Greenwich has earned A resident of Westchester, to $10 million and beyond. fierce, The First Bank of Greenwich has earned bank has significantly expanded its loan A longtime resident of Westchester, and with area, Gaudio’s relationships, AtWestchester The First Bank of Greenwich real peoplewhere and Counties, aloyal loyal following byprioritizing prioritizing relationships, more capabilities, regularly regularly financing deals of morethan thanthree threedecades decadesof ofbanking bankingexperience experience capabilities, aexpectations following by financing deals of up up answer phones; clients are greeted by name; One standout moment was when instincts, and on-the-ground run high andrelationships, comshowing up for the community, toGaudio $10 million million and beyond. beyond. in thearea, area,Gaudio’s Gaudio’s relationships, instincts, and when something needs attention,and the delivering invited the owner of a local presence give The First Bank of showing up for the community, and delivering to $10 and in the relationships, instincts, petition is fierce, The First Bank of bank president’s direct number is available and Frank J. Gaudio,One standout moment was when Gaudio onevery every promise. and on-the-ground presence give The First First ice cream shop to join the adviGreenwich an edge mostgive banks on One standout moment was when Gaudio and on-the-ground presence The President and CEO ready topromise. call. This kind earned of access is rareainloyal mod- folGreenwich has “My goal is to be helpful, honest, and do invited the owner owner of aaowner local cream Bank of Greenwich an edge most banks simern banking, but in the high-pressure markets sory the board. The upto simply can’t replicate. Plus, with “My goal is to be helpful, honest, and do Bank of Greenwich an edge most banks sim- invited of local ice iceshowed cream shop shop to lowing by prioritizing relationships, ofbest, Fairfield and Westchester Counties, where Actions Speak Louder Than business, includingin Cos lending. join Since my ” says Frank J. Gaudio, president and the advisory board. The owner showed ply can’t replicate. Plus, with branches at the first meeting in a suit, with branches in Cos Cob, Stamford, showing uprun for the community, and my best, ” says Frank J.andGaudio, president and ply can’t replicate. Plus,Gaudio jointhethe advisory board. The owner showed up up with stepped branches Cos in 2014, in as in president expectations high competition is Words his side,hisand and Port Chester, TheChester, First Bank CEO. “Luckily, work with people who careresident athis thegrandsons first meeting meeting in inby aa suit, Cob, Stamford, and Port The expanded First its fierce, The First Bank of Greenwich has earned who bank has significantly loan A longtime of Westchester, andand with Port delivering on promise. CEO. “Luckily, I Ievery work with people care at the first suit, with with his grandsons grandsons Cob, Stamford, Chester, The First no onethat had of Greenwich serves some ofthe the a loyalsupport following byone prioritizing relationships, capabilities, financing of his up side, andthat thanin three decades ofof banking experience deeply, another, and takemore pride mentioned noever one had Bank Greenwich serves someregularly of most dealsbymentioned deeply, support one another, and take pride in by his side, and mentioned that no one had Bank of Greenwich serves some of the most “My goal is to be helpful, honest, and showing up for the community, and delivering in the area, Gaudio’s to $10 millionand and beyond. relationships, instincts, asked for his opinion before.However, Howmost diverse, discerning, what they do, and that makes all the difference. ever asked for his opinion before. diverse, discerning, and demanding banking every promise. One standout moment was when ever Gaudioasked for his opinion before. However, and on-the-ground presence give The Firstand demanding do on my best,” says FrankallJ.the Gaudio, what they do, and that makes difference. diverse, discerning, banking ever, making people feelseen valued demanding banking regions in the Yes, we have tech“Luckily, the big banks have, people feel valued and on a daily regions in the country. While clients range goal and isall bethe helpful, and do the owner of a local ice cream making shop to of Greenwich an edge most banks sim- invited president CEO. I Bank Yes, we“My have allto the techhonest, the big banks have, making people feel valuedbasis and seen on a daily regions in the country. While clients range and on abank daily is what country. While range from my best,” never says Frank J. Gaudio, president and join business the advisory board. The owner showed up isseen ply That’s can’t replicate.from Plus, with branches in Cosclients but we’ve lost our personal touch. basis what this is all about. Raised in multigenerational owners to work people who deeply, but we’ve never personal touch. That’s basis what is this is allRaised about. Raised multigenerational business tohis grandsons CEO.with “Luckily, Ilost workour with peoplecare who care the first meetingowners in a suit, with Cob, Stamford,from and Port Chester, The First atbusiness thisisbank allbank about. in a in multigenerational owners what setssupport us apart. ” a family-run retail business, Gaudio learned first-time homebuyers, share a desire for support one another, and take deeply, one another, and take pride in Bank of Greenwich his side, andthey mentioned that no one had some of the homebuyers, most bythey family-run retail business, Gaudio toserves first-time what sets us apart. ” a family-run retail business, Gaudio learned first-time homebuyers, they share a desire for whatin theywhat do, and that makesdo, all theand difference. ever asked for hissolutions, opinion before. However, and demanding banking early that customer loyalty isn’t built onloyconvefast answers, flexible pride they thatdiverse, discerning, early that customer share a desire for making fast answers, loyalty isn’t built on convefast range answers, flexible solutions, Yes, we have all the tech the big banks have, regions in the country. people feel valued and seen onearly alearned dailythat customer While clients makes all the difference. Yes, we nience but rather earned through consistency, and bankers who genuinely care. alty isn’t built on convenience but but we’ve never lost our personal touch. That’s from multigenerational flexible solutions, and bankers basis is what this bank is all about. Raised in business owners to and bankers who genuinely care. nience but rather earned through consistency, what sets us apart.” a family-run business, Gaudio learned first-time homebuyers, share a desire for empathy, and showing up whenconsistency, it counts—no “Some clients retail want to do rather and earned through whothey genuinely care. empathy, showing up when it counts—no “Some clients want to do fast answers, flexible solutions, early that customer loyalty isn’t built on convematter how big or small the need. everything remotely, and through that’s consistency, empathy, and showing up when it but rather earned and“Some bankers who genuinely care. clients wantnience to do everything matter how big or small the need. everything remotely, and that’s counts—no matter how big or Looking ahead, he emphasizes that cusfine,” saysempathy, Gaudio. “But others and showing up when it counts—no “Some clients want to do remotely, and that’s fine,” says Looking ahead, he emphasizes that cussaysmatter Gaudio. others how big“But or small thetalk need. everything remotely,fine,” and that’s small the need. tomer service will always be a top priority, want to walk in, sit down, and others want to walk Looking ahead, he emphasizes cus- service will always be a top priority, fine,”Gaudio. says Gaudio.“But “But others tomer want to walk in, sit down, and talk that and in doingahead, so, The he Firstemphasizes Bank of Greenwich to and someone who actually knows Looking that sitin,down, and to someone tomer service will always be a top priority, wantin, to walk sit down, talk talk and in doing so, The First Bank of Greenwich to someone who actually knows andWe’re in doing so, The Bank” of Greenwich to someone actually knows will remain a leader in an ever-evolving their name. here forFirst both. customer service will always bemara who who actually knows their name. will remain a leader in an ever-evolving marname. We’re forin both. ” will remainhere a leader an ever-evolving martheir name. We’re heretheir both. ” top priority, and in doing so, The We’re hereforfor both.” ket. “When someone’s navigating a challenge, Care like that extends beyond ket. “When someone’s navigating a challenge, Care like that extends beyond “When someone’s navigatingwill a challenge, Care like that extends beyond ket. First of Greenwich remain financial or otherwise, we don’t walkfinancial away. Bank banking, as the team supports or otherwise, we don’t walk away. banking, as thebeyond team supports Care like that extends financial orin otherwise, we don’t walk away. banking, the up, team supports We show we figure it out, and we stay with 38 local nonprofits, leads school as a leader an ever-evolving market. We show up, we figure it out, and we stay with 38 local nonprofits, leads school banking, as the team supports 38 them until it’s solved, concludes. supply drives, sponsors pro- nonprofits, We show up, we figure it out, and we stay with 38arts local leads” Gaudio school “When someone’s navigating a chaluntil it’s solved,” Gaudio concludes. supply sponsors pro- them local leads schoolarts supgramming, andnonprofits, consistently showsdrives, them until it’s solved, ” Gaudio concludes. supply drives, sponsors arts prolenge, financial or otherwise, we up forply causes that strengthen the drives,gramming, sponsors programandarts consistently shows neighborhoods theygramming, An don’t walk away. We show up, we and consistentlyup shows ming, and serve. consistently causes thatshows strengthen the overwhelming senseup of for comfigure it out, and we stay with them up for causes that strengthen the for tocauses that mitment personal servicestrengthen neighborhoods they serve. An until it’s solved,” Gaudio concludes. also extends to everyneighborhoods part of the 203-629-8400 | GreenwichFirst.com they serve. An the neighborhoods they serve. overwhelming sense of comoverwhelming sense ofservice commitment to personal mitment to personal service also extends to every part of the 203-629-8400 | GreenwichFirst.com also extends to every part of the 203-629-8400 | GreenwichFirst.com
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A DIVISION OF TODAY MEDIA, A MARTINELLI HOLDINGS LLC.
Group Publisher Robert Martinelli Publisher Steve Aaron Associate Publisher Jack A. Martinelli ADVERTISING Senior Multimedia Account Manager Luanne McCabe Multimedia Account Managers Matthew Bonanni, Ali Cocco, Jill Coronel, Ana Medina Mantini, Frank Tarascio Digital Sales Manager Pam Fleming Senior Writer Karen Odom Sales Support Manager Angie Boreland Publisher’s Representatives MBG Media Sales, Inc., MCase Media MARKETING Head of Marketing Jacqueline S. Graziano Marketing & Events Manager Michelle Carroll Associate Art Director Arlene So Marketing & Events Coordinator Daniella Schneider Distribution Manager Paul Greicius ADMINISTRATION Controller & Director of Operations Donna Kraidman Office & Building Manager Natalie Martelli Accounting Manager Nicole Jones Accounts Receivable/Logistics Manager Jennifer Schuele Accounts Receivable Specialist Nancy Evans Staff Accountant Nancy Nyce Jr. Staff Accountant Jennifer Floor CIRCULATION Senior Audience Development Manager Lisa Bennett TODAY MEDIA CUSTOM COMMUNICATIONS COO/Group Publisher Richard J. Martinelli HOW TO REACH US Advertising 914.345.0601 x138 sales@westchestermagazine.com Circulation/Subscriptions 800.254.2213 914inc@sfsdayton.com Marketing 914.345.0601 x146 marketing@westchestermagazine.com Today Media, A MARTINELLI HOLDINGS LLC President Robert F. Martinelli Secretary/Treasurer Richard J. Martinelli In Memoriam: Chairman of the Board Angelo Martinelli (1927-2018) Vice President Ralph A. Martinelli (1962-2019)
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( come to thINC of it )
Lead the way.
T
wo months before Covid hit, I decided to do something I’d been mentally kicking around for at least a decade: apply to graduate school. One multi-part application and a two-hours-long interview later, I was going to be a student again for the first time in 30+ years. The program at Lehman College that was supposed to be campus-based became full-on Zoom, and I spent a sizable part of quarantine in my basement taking classes online and writing a 40-page thesis to earn a master’s degree in organizational leadership. My point in sharing this is that I learned a lot about theories, best practices, and what peerreviewed data bears out about leading effectively and with vision in our complex, always-changing world and work environments. That context lent clarity to reading through the many submissions for our annual “Top Business Leaders” feature, which starts on page 18. Honestly, I was blown away by the depth of the talent pool and deciding which individuals to spotlight this year was tough. I believe you, too, will be impressed and inspired by the honorees shaping Westchester through their work in healthcare, higher ed, local government, mission-driven orgs, and other key sectors. Also, don’t miss “All Together Now” on page 36 to explore how businesses and nonprofits can partner to make our collective Westchester life safer, more secure, more meaningful, and more beautiful.
Jonna Gallo Weppler Editor in Chief
Who Wouldn’t Want to Work Here?
Big thanks to the owners of HudCo for hosting our photo shoot for this issue. Such a smart and stunning mixed-use building in Dobbs Ferry—there are plenty of comfy co-working spaces, including communal tables, office areas, and private meeting rooms, and the cutest coffee shop for a java jolt should you need. In my ideal life, I would camp here one day a week and be massively, happily productive, thanks to the upbeat vibe and lowkey buzz of people getting things done. Go to hudco.co to learn more about membership options and programming. 8
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To venture beyond their bios, I questioned our Top Business Leaders for a sense of what makes them tick. Figuring that turnabout is fair play, I put myself under the microscope. Movie I’m always up to rewatch? “Almost Famous” by Cameron Crowe. So many reasons to love: Immediately takes me back to my first date with my husband in September 2000; the magazine Rolling Stone plays a key character in the story; Frances McDormand as the devoted mom is perfect. Professional advice I ignored? “Don’t ever stay at the same place too long.” I worked at the same magazine for 26 years. Favorite ways to spend down time? Cherishing every minute I’m offered by my busy collegeage kids, getting to know them better as the young adults they now are. Also, I learned to play mahjong this past winter and am now very into it, like lots of people around here! Go-to restaurant in Westchester? My current can’tgo-wrong rotation includes Maria and Modern, both in New Rochelle, Risotto in Thornwood, and Talia in Port Chester. Podcast pick? I usually default to ’70s or ’80s music, or the soundtrack from “Hamilton,” but I do like “Good Hang with Amy Pohler” and sometimes wonder why I don’t listen to it more often. If I could have any other job, what would it be? A Radio City Rockette. Pure fantasy; I have never had a single dance lesson. I find the Christmas show kick line utterly mesmerizing and just fantasize about being in it. Early bird or night owl? Neither really; I’m kind of just always flexing based on work and family needs. Unfortunately, not a great sleeper in general.
FROM TOP: DOUG SCHNEIDER; BALL AND ALBANESE
ASKED AND ANSWERED
914INC. JUL/AUG 2026
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WHERE WESTCHESTER DOES BUSINESS We’re not just a magazine. We’re your business growth partner. 914INC. connects your brand with Westchester’s most influential decision makers through print, digital, and high-impact events.
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Michael Goldrick
President Hudson Valley Region
New Name, Same People. Beacon Bank (formerly PCSB Bank) is built on a legacy of strength, trust and expertise. Whether you’re starting a business, navigating a new chapter or planning ahead, our experts can guide you every step of the way.
Kimberly DeMilia
Director of Commercial Banking Hudson Valley Region
William M. Mooney III Esq. Director of Retail Banking Hudson Valley Region
Visit us online or at your nearest branch.
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GIVING GUIDE 2026 REGIONAL PHILANTHROPIC OPPORTUNITIES
BeaconBank.com
914INC., in partnership with Nonprofit Westchester, proudly presents the Giving Guide: Regional Philanthropic Opportunities. Published as a special supplement in the November/December issue, this annual guide showcases the region’s leading nonprofit organizations, highlights meaningful ways to give back, and connects readers with opportunities to make a lasting impact throughout the community. It will also be distributed by Nonprofit Westchester and at events throughout the year.
NOV./DEC. ISSUE SPACE CLOSE: September 10, 2026 MATERIALS DUE: September 18, 2026 PUBLICATION DATE: October 23, 2026 For more info call 914.345.0601 ext. 138 or email 914INC@westchestermagazine.com.
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Talking Cannabis: The High Points The scene: Forty-two stories above downtown White Plains at Kanopi (atop the Opus Hotel). The players: A veritable Who’s Who of the legal cannabis industry community, psyched to network and eager to hear the latest from those in the know about compliance, banking, and other essential topics. Thanks again to White Plains Mayor Justin Brasch for joining us and to our panelists, below, for sharing their expertise and perspective around this constantly changing space. Joseph Belluck
Chairman, New York State Cannabis Advisory Board Luke Ferenc
COO, Cannabicity | COO, Ninja Supply | Founder, Cannabis Survival Guide Consulting Jeffrey Kay
Chief Marketing Officer, Safe Harbor Matthew Leonardo
Principal, Hinman Straub; Professor, University at Albany Government Affairs Leader The diverse guest list included artists, restauranteurs, and influencers. From left: Chef David DiBari, Sarah Bamford, Melissa Tomlin, Marla Beth Enowitz.
GABI CORONEL
Out & About Spring felt like one event after another around here, in the best possible way. So much going on and lots of reasons to celebrate!
Billy Riggs
Founder, Big Apple Decon Eric and Tessa Williams
Founders, FarmOn! Foundation Founders, Empire Farm 1830
Meghna Hegde, left, and Itzel Aguilera pose with our cover story, the best conversation starter for a night of connection.
«
by jonna gallo weppler WESTCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
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( thINC positive) Honoring Those Who Build
Adaptive Reuse | Community Project
914INC. and our sister publication Westchester Home recently spotlighted individuals and businesses shaping the land and skyline of Westchester through construction, adaptive reuse, and efforts in affordability and sustainability. The energy was through the roof at the Harrison Meadows Country Club as we feted innovation, craftsmanship, and the leaders driving progress throughout the region. Congratulations again to all the award winners.
Rob & Christina Rubicco, Co-Founders Anna & Jack’s Treehouse Danielle DeVito, Architect Pencil Projects Architecture
Adaptive Reuse | Multifamily Residential
Amy Rose, President and CEO Christopher Gibaldi, Managing Director of Development Rose Associates Affordable Housing | Homeownership
Bill Balter, President WBP Development LLC
Affordable Housing | Not-for-Profit
BA 2026 Honoree Christopher Gibaldi, left, with colleague John Nowak and Today Media’s Jill Coronel.
Richard Nightingale, President & CEO Andrew Germasky, Chief Real Estate Officer WESTHAB Award in Architecture
Ira Grandberg, AIA Grandberg & Associates Architects
Boutique Developer
Dan Bsharat, Managing Director Tariq Bsharat, Advisory Board Member Hudson Hill Partners Community Driving Development
Pam Tarlow, Commissioner of Planning & Community Development City of Mount Vernon Emerging Leader
Anthony Morando, Esq., Partner Cuddy and Feder, LLP Emerging Leader | Commercial Builder
Dale Phillips, President Kaitlyn Phillips, Vice President E.J. York, Inc. Groundbreaker Award
Adam Bosch, (former) CEO Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress Land Use Leadership
Mark P. Weingarten, Esq., Partner DelBello, Donnellan, Weingarten, Wise & Wiederkehr LLP Mixed-Use Builder & Commercial Developer
Patricia Simone, Principal & President Joanna Simone, Principal & President, Leasing & Property Simone Management Group Management Operations
Simone Development Companies Today Media’s Ana Medina Mantini with, from left, Ed Geary, Jack Mongiello, and Dan Hughes from Presenting Sponsor, Jilco.
Multi-Family Home Builder
Damon Woolf, Director of Land Acquisition Toll Brothers Residential & Commercial Landscape Design
Val Morano Sagliocco The Morano Group Residential Contractor
Eric Abraham, President Comstock Residential Contracting Residential Single Family Home Builder
Oran Ben-Simon, Vice President KOSL Building Group LLC
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Ron Kamen, Founder CEO, EarthKind Energy and Director Clean Energy Action Coalition John Ravitz, Executive Vice President & COO The Business Council of Westchester
WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE STAFF
Sustainability Leadership Today Media colleagues, editorial director Linda Fears and 914INC. editor in chief Jonna Gallo Weppler.
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Derick Ansah, Wealth Advisor Congratulations to Derick on being named as a 2026 Wunderkind Honoree. Tompkins is proud to celebrate your well-deserved recognition.
www.tompkinsfinancialadvisors.com
WINNER
2026
WESTCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
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Honoring Healthcare Heroes
Toasting the Future of Leadership
In mid-May, over 170 proud colleagues and friends convened for an elegant lunch at Mulino’s of Westchester to support 12 dedicated individuals making a difference in the healthcare field. We thank them again for their unwavering dedication and service.
The Wunderkinds—Westchester’s brightest under-35 leaders—introduced in our last issue had their moments in the sun on a steamy May night that felt like August. Two hundred of their bosses and peers, and excited family members and friends, gathered at the Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club for an evening to remember. Special thanks to Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins for joining us. Kudos again to the Class of 2026! 2026 WUNDERKINDS WINNERS Derick Ansah
Assistant Vice President, Wealth Advisor Tompkins Financial Advisors Teddy Bugniazet
Commercial Risk Advisor Marsh McLennan Agency Caroline King
Business Performance Advisor Insperity Andrew Nickoletos
Financial Advisor Precision Wealth Solutions
Liberta Barcia
Trusts and Estates Associate Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, LLP Steven Still
Program Supervisor for Pretrial Services Choice of New York Melissa Mcmonagle
Development And Communications Manager Pace Women’s Justice Center Michael Conigliaro
Property Manager GHP Office Realty, LLC
Ciara Mulligan
Advocacy Manager Feeding Westchester Natalie Goldfarb
Senior Director, External Communications Smart Electric Power Alliance Giuseppe D’Aloisio
Project Executive, RXR
Clinical Lecturer/Media Director Iona University
Marco Petruzzi
Eric Dalton
Gregory Maugeri
Project Manager/Superintendent Yonkers Contracting Anthony Torchia
Vice President Angels On Call Homecare
Sydney Ericson
COO Coral Sea Pools | Founder & CEO Best Way Technologies
Project Director, Westchester Medical Center Health Network
Amanda Seebeck
Hediye Mamak
Kevin Oliveros
Lindsey Houlihan
Events & Marketing Communications Coordinator Harrison Meadows Country Club Owner, Risotto Restaurant
Dillon Faulkner
Chief Operating Officer, Backyard Sports Cares and MVP Basketball Camp | President, Backyard Sports
Angel Gray
Program & Policy Director Westchester Children’s Association
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Healthcare hero Dr. Fawaz AlMufti with colleague Dr. Tracey Milligan.
1st Deputy Commissioner Mount Vernon Buildings Department City of Mount Vernon Communications Director Office of NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Laura Lulgjuraj
Associate Real Estate Broker Houlihan Lawrence Alexa Amato
Content Manager, Love Social Media
PHOTO CREDITS
Sabrina Fata
Ryan Hirt
Director of Development Access: Supports For Living
«
Associate Attorney Abrams Fensterman, LLP
Dr. Fawaz Al-Mufti Neurologist, Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College Jamillah Blair Vice President of Community Relations & Program Development, Choice of New York Danielle Butin Founder & CEO, Afya Joanna French Program Coordinator & Volunteers, Trails Without Limits Dr. Alan Kadish Cardiac Electrophysiologist, New York Medical College/Touro University Jason Hawksworth Chief of Hepatobiliary Surgery & Director of the Robotic Liver Surgery Program, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center Alyssa Klein Administrative Director of Rehabilitation, New York-Presbyterian Westchester & New York-Presbyterian The One Dr. Liane Nelson Chief Psychologist, Westchester Jewish Community Services Dr. Rafael Ortiz Executive Director of Neurosciences, White Plains Hospital Brittney Cintron-Owens Director, Montefiore Einstein Command Center Michael N. Rosenblut President & CEO, Parker Jewish Institute Dr. Erika Trovato Associate Chief Medical Officer, Burke Rehabilitation
MICHELLE CARROLL
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Iván Watanabe
Iván Watanabe, managing partner of Opus Private Client, LLC, got into the wealth advisory business in 2008. “I’m sort of a person people turn to if they are trying to solve a problem,” says Watanabe. “Financial planning allows me to do that; I help clients accomplish their goals and create a significant legacy.” Today, he leads the Purchase-based firm while raising two young children with his wife, Joanna, in Goldens Bridge. Come along for a typical work day: 5:30–6:30 AM This hour belongs to me. Black iced coffee made the night before, my Full Focus Planner open in front of me. I write down a few words to get my mind right; how I want to prioritize my family, clients, health, and goals. I’ve repeated this ritual every workday for the past seven years, usually with Gary Vaynerchuk’s The GaryVee Audio Experience podcast on to get my creative mind moving. It’s packed with insights on business,
tech, marketing, and the idea that being a good person is a strength— not a weakness. 6:30–7:30 AM I wake up Mia (4) and Luca (2), and the real adventure begins. Getting two toddlers fed, dressed, and out the door on 16
my own when my wife has to leave super early for work is, without question, the most nerve-wracking part of my day, and easily the most unpredictable. Still, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve intentionally designed my life and career to give me the ability to wake my kids up and drop them off every single morning. Our commute soundtrack is an eclectic mix: Gabby’s Dollhouse, K-Pop Demon Hunters,
“
Stacking small, intentional habits daily has been an extremely valuable practice. I go into every day with purpose and refuse to let the day simply happen to me.
”
Teddy Swims, and Bad Bunny. 7:30–9:30 AM On any given morning you’ll find me at F45, Fwd Fit, Orangetheory, or BARC Run Club, all in pursuit of my personal best in HYROX fitness racing, which combines running and functional
4:30–5:30 PM My wife and I pick up Mia and take her to karate. Watching her find her voice and her confidence on that mat has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I did martial arts for about 12 years myself and earned a black belt, so this one hits a little differently. 5:30–8:00 PM Family time for the four of us. Dinner together, running around the house, playing catch, winding down with a movie (usually
something from Pixar on repeat). We do bath time as a family, read a few books, and ease into the night. 8:00–9:30 PM Joanna and I catch up on each other’s days over a last protein smoothie. I wrap up any final emails, then we usually watch TV; lately The Pitt, true crime, and any Miami Dolphins game. I’m usually asleep before my head hits the pillow. —By Jessica Jafet
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workout stations. I’ve competed in New York City, Chicago, and Miami so far, and it’s become something of an obsession. Beyond the competition, I want to be a living example of what prioritizing your health looks like, for my kids most of all. 9:30 AM–12:00 PM Client meetings, back to back. I run almost all of them virtually from my home office, which allows me to see more families and individuals more efficiently. One hour might be helping a business owner map out their exit strategy, the next, a high earning ‘Sandwich Generation’ executive juggling college and retirement planning, plus aging parents. My goal is always the same: to deliver real value, wherever someone is in their journey. 12:00–1:00 PM My partner, Evan, and I sit down to record an episode of the Opus WealthStyle Podcast. The conversations are wide-ranging, from complex estate planning and tax strategy to hearing from psychologists and longevity experts on parenting and living well. Our best ideas almost always emerge from our planning conversations with clients; there’s usually a clear theme depending on what’s happening in the world at that moment. 1:00–4:30 PM More meetings, more calls, more value.
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Early bird! I wake up at 4 a.m. like clockwork, ever since I was a child. — RONALD ROSADO ABAD
The County’s Top Business Leaders 18
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How lucky are we that Westchester is powered by people committed to driving success in ways that benefit us all. Meet 14 visionaries committed to guiding their organizations with strategic thought, strong character, and remarkable care for our communities. By Jonna Gallo Weppler & Jessica Jafet
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My key lesson learned would be, do not put work above everything.
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— ASHLEY WITKIEWICZ
S H OT O N LO C AT I O N at H U D C O p h oto g r a p h e r : d o u g s c h n e i d e r
Thanks to the team at HudCo, a gorgeous coworking and event space in Dobbs Ferry, for hosting our photo shoot. The airy, lightfilled space by the river was such a perfect backdrop! Go to hudco.co to find out more. WESTCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
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ASHLEY WITKIEWICZ Chief Operating Officer
VALLEY PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
In May 2007, Ashley Witkiewicz took a temporary admin role at Valley Pediatric Dentistry while she mulled over nursing versus business administration. She never left, working her way up, becoming a partner, and helping to transform the organization from a single location with $1 million in annual revenue into a multilocation practice with $10 million in annual revenue. In 2021, she co-founded the Hudson Valley Tongue-Tie Center with her partner, Dr. Ben Dancygier, creating a welcoming space specifically tailored to the needs of infant patients and new mothers. Early-career mistake you learned from? I can’t even begin
to count the number of lessons both big and small that I have learned over the years. My key lesson learned would be, do not put work above everything and anything because it will result in burnout and relationship strain (ask me how I know). I’ve learned that the power of saying ‘no’ and utilizing people around you who can do something in a more timely manner, and probably better than you, is quite remarkable.
Current book recommendation? “Unreasonable Hospitality”
by Will Guidara, an inspiring New York Times bestseller.
Favorite ways to spend down time?
Reading in my library or doing anything outside, especially in the summer. Going to concerts, hiking, working out, changing paint colors in my house and offices. I absolutely love spending time with my husband, my family, friends, and my Frenchie (Gus) and Doberman (Baron). Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order. Southern Kitchen in Pleasantville. My
order: beer-steamed mussels, watermelon salad, bourbon glazed skirt steak, and a glass of sangria. Now I’m starving just thinking about it!
Favorite ways to spend down time?
I carve out Saturdays to be with my wife and youngest daughter who’s about to head to college; I also have three grown daughters and six grandchildren. I also study the Bible as well as leadership and faith-related books every morning. I’m a big sports nut—football, golf, I’ve been a Yankees fan since birth. I also enjoy landscaping around my house. Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order. Fogo de Chão on Main Street in White
Plains, one block from my office. Order: Marketplace (buffet type...no red meat; salmon and chicken occasionally). An $18 lunch! Can’t beat that price. Podcast pick? Not a podcast, but a daily “Minute with Maxwell” subscription to leadership guru John Maxwell. I am a big John Maxwell student! Early bird or night owl? Early bird! I wake up at 4 a.m. every morning, like clockwork, ever since I was a child.
CRAIG RUOFF
Executive Vice President COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL
When Westchester companies need to rethink their real estate situation, secure smarter leases, or get out of costly ones, Craig Ruoff is often their first call. The Colliers International executive vice president brings more than 30 years of experience and a strong track record in commercial brokerage, protecting clients’ bottom lines and positioning them for long-term growth. He has also been a steady presence in the community, including a long history of service to the Child Care Council of Westchester, where he has served multiple terms as board president. Early-career mistake you learned from? Early on, I thought
Podcast pick? My go-to for listening lately is “This Past Weekend” with Theo Von.
saying yes to everything meant you were doing your job correctly. I quickly learned that being effective is less about taking on everything and more about prioritizing highimpact work and setting clear expectations.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Professional advice you ignored? Don’t try to help everyone.
Always wanted to work in a lumber yard! I have a weird obsession with Home Depot and hardware stores.
Favorite ways to spend down time? With my family and
dogs! I love to hike and swim.
RONALD ROSADO ABAD
Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order. Tapisco in Mahopac for chouriço assado.
COMMUNITY HOUSING INNOVATIONS
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
CEO
Decades of experience at organizations serving homeless adults and families in the New York City area influences Ron Abad’s diligent stewardship of Community Housing Innovations (CHI). Since taking the helm as CEO in March 2021, Abad has led the nonprofit through a period of remarkable scaling and operational modernization; its budget has grown to approximately $125 million, supporting a diverse regional workforce of 700 employees, while he espouses and embraces a holistic model that combines housing with financial literacy, eviction prevention, and foreclosure counseling to break the cycle of generational poverty. Best and worst habits? Professional or personal, up to you.
Best: Highly organized. Manage time well. Great multitasker. Responsive, answer all emails and phone calls immediately. Worst: don’t sleep enough, about four or five hours a night. Need to work on this. Know it will catch up. Professional advice you ignored? Fully detach while on vacation. I need to take more vacations and detach! 20
Scuba instructor.
Early bird or night owl? Early bird.
CARLLA HORTON, MPA Executive Director HOPE’S DOOR
When CarlLa Horton took the reins in 1997 at Hope’s Door, a nonprofit devoted to providing safe sanctuary and support to victims of domestic violence, she tapped into her lifelong commitment to advocacy, shaped by early personal experiences with domestic violence, poverty, and systemic inequities. Thanks to Horton’s deep well of expertise in the political, labor, and nonprofit sectors, Hope’s Door has experienced substantial growth; annual revenue increased from $532,000 to $4.8 million, and the number of survivors served annually grew from 205 to more than 1,400. Early-career mistake you learned from?
I learned early on that speaking truth to power comes with
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I quickly learned that being effective is less about taking on everything and more about prioritizing high-impact work and setting clear expectations.
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PHOTO CREDITS
— CRAIG RUOFF
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I learned early on that speaking truth to power comes with consequences, especially when you don’t yet have much power.
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— CARLLA HORTON
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consequences, especially when you don’t yet have much power. During my student teaching (yes, I thought I would be a teacher), I told a principal that something he said was racist. It did not go over well in 1971. I don’t regret the conviction, but I did learn to be more strategic about when and how to use my voice. Best and worst habits? Professional or personal, up to you.
Best: I get the job done no matter how long it takes. Worst: Nutrition. My favorite vegetable is Cape Cod Potato Chips (original with sea salt). Professional advice you ignored? Take the highest-paying
job, even if you don’t like the work. I ignored that and I’m glad I did.
Favorite ways to spend down time? Seeing Broadway shows, most recently “Operation Mincemeat” (twice!) and “Chess,” and visiting museums, lately the Frick and the Morgan Library, both in one day. Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order. Miyabi Asian Bistro in Pleasantville. Favorite
lunch order is the two roll lunch special of a California Roll and a Sweet Potato Tempura Roll. If you could have any other job, what would it be?
I’m usually up by five, and either working or working out by about 5:30. I like going to the gym early, and I value that quiet time in the morning; it’s a chance to process the day before and think through what’s ahead before everyone else is up. That usually means I crash pretty early at night.
“
CHRISTOPHER MEAGHER Principal Attorney
I learned that asking questions, even the so-called ‘obvious’ ones, is far more important than trying to seem brilliant.
MEAGHER & MEAGHER, P.C.
— HORACE ANDERSON JR.
Best and worst habits? Professional or personal, up to you.
”
He started his career as an architect, but somehow the universe felt that Christopher Meagher was meant to practice law. After transitioning into the legal field, Meagher embarked on three decades of building a reputation as one of Westchester’s most methodical, respected litigators. As principal attorney, he leads the White Plains-based boutique trial firm through complex cases, including catastrophic injuries and other high-stakes claims. Meagher’s commitment to meticulous trial preparation and mentoring attorneys and staff is a key part of the firm’s culture. Best: Bringing full dedication and commitment to every single case we take on. Worst: Feeding all the dogs in the office human food at lunch.
President of the United States, or a country western singer like Dolly Parton, whom I believe deserves the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
HORACE ANDERSON JR. Dean, Elisabeth Haub School of Law PACE UNIVERSITY
Horace Anderson Jr., the ninth dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, has been integral to the venerated White Plains institution as a professor and senior administrator for over two decades. Under his leadership, Pace Haub Law garnered its first U.S. News & World Report ranking as the number one environmental law program in the country. Among many other achievements, he also led the law school’s multi-million-dollar campaign and oversaw the launch of the collaborative Pace Access to Justice Project to address gaps in the legal system. Early-career mistake you learned from? The biggest one was thinking I had to appear smart about everything right away— that asking questions might compromise my professional image. Early on, I didn’t ask enough questions because of that. Getting over that has been incredibly important for me. Over time, I learned that asking questions, even the so-called ‘obvious’ ones, is far more important than trying to seem brilliant in every moment. What matters is the end result. Movie you are always up to rewatch? “The Godfather” and
“The Godfather Part II.”
COURTESY HORACE ANDERSON JR.
Favorite ways to spend down time? Teaching martial arts. I teach both adults and kids at the beginner level on Saturday mornings. Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order. There are so many, but one of my go-to
spots is a casual place, Tommy’s Deli in White Plains. In my opinion, they make the best Italian Special in the world.
If you could have any other job, what would it be? Eightyear-old me would have said firefighter, but I’m going to say general manager of a baseball or football team. Early bird or night owl? My inclination is to be an early bird. WESTCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
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Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order. Frankie & Johnnie’s Steakhouse. Iceberg
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Best habit: Bringing full dedication and commitment to every case.
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— CHRISTOPHER MEAGHER
wedge, then porterhouse for two. Medium.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
President of the United States.
Early bird or night owl? Early bird!
JEWEL WILLIAMS JOHNSON Legislator, District 8
WESTCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS
Drawing on a varied background in healthcare, nonprofit leadership and grassroots advocacy, Jewel Williams Johnson serves as Westchester County Legislator representing the 8th Legislative District. Re-elected in 2025 and now serving a third term, the White Plains resident made history as the first freshman legislator to chair the Board’s Committee on Budget & Appropriations. She has focused on issues ranging from maternal care to mental health equity. Fun fact: When she joined the Board in 2021, she succeeded her mother, the Honorable Alfreda A. Williams. Movie you’re always up to rewatch? I have a few, and they are wonderfully different: “Legends of the Fall,” “Crash,” “Origin,” and “Sinners.” Each one stayed with me for a reason. In my mind, they are all masterpieces. Favorite ways to spend downtime? On a beach with clean
sand and great waves. That is peace. That is restoration. That is my joy.
Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order. There are three in my district. The truffle
burger at Mint Premium Foods in Tarrytown is absolutely
Movie you’re always down to rewatch? “Legally Blonde.” Professional advice you ignored? Pursue a career in Big Law. Favorite ways to spend down time? Playing golf with my
daughter, traveling with family, and any Grateful Dead show.
Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Benjamin Steakhouse.
CHRISTOPHER D. HILLYER, M.D. President and CEO
NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER ENTERPRISES
Since becoming President and CEO in 2009 of Rye-based New York Blood Center Enterprises, Dr. Christopher Hillyer has helped transform it into a thriving $600-million-plus entity spanning blood services, biomedical research, cellular therapies, and biomanufacturing. Under the leadership of this internationally recognized expert in hematology, transfusion medicine, transplantation, and cellular therapies, NYBCe ultimately serves or collaborates with more than 75 million people and over 400 healthcare and research partners worldwide. Best and worst habits? Professional or personal, up to you.
Best: Being prepared and being punctual. We call it precrastination. Worst: Frustration with those who don’t share my sense of urgency and ownership mentality.
Movie you’re always up to rewatch? “Margin Call,” “The Big
Short,” and “Mary Poppins.”
Professional advice you ignored? I was always told it was
impossible to do research, edit books, lead programs, work on clinical wards, and learn executive administration, so I should ‘focus.’ It was critical that I did not limit myself. 24
“ ”
Best habits: Being prepared and being punctual. — CHRISTOPHER D. HILLYER, M.D.
TOP: LEE SEIDENBERG; BOTTOM: © ANDY RYAN
Early bird or night owl? Early bird.
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I love teachers so much that I still keep in touch with my fourth and fifth grade teacher, Ms. Bernice Earle, and my high school teachers, Ms. Vilma France and Mrs. Barbara Glover.
”
PHOTO CREDITS
—JEWEL WILLIAMS JOHNSON
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to die for; I love the carne asada at Invito in Elmsford; Anasa Greek Kitchen in White Plains has the best char-grilled octopus. And, though it’s outside my district, I also love L’inizio in Ardsley. I go for the casarecce pasta and absolutely must have a basil margarita.
“
Best habit: Pursuit of perfection; worst, lack of patience.
Podcast pick? I’m admittedly biased, but my first pick is my own: “Cyber Safe Now,” which I co-host with the African American Men of Westchester and the Westchester Rockland Guardians Association.
”
— MICHAEL SPICER
If you could have any other job, what would it be? A teacher,
without question. I love teachers so much that I still keep in touch with my fourth and fifth grade teacher, Ms. Bernice Earle, and my high school teachers, Ms. Vilma France and Mrs. Barbara Glover.
Early bird or night owl? Honestly, neither. I am definitely not
a night owl—my husband and I are usually asleep by 9:30 p.m. I’m up early because of my four-legged heart, Jasper, who used to get me up every morning at 6:00 a.m. before deciding, at 14 human years old, that sleeping in is now his right; and my years at a teaching hospital, where early mornings for didactics became part of life.
MARK FRANZOSO President
FRANZOSO CONTRACTING
Mark Franzoso is the rare business owner who can say he personally built his company from the ground up. What he started in 1980 with borrowed tools and a station wagon has grown into Franzoso Contracting, highly regarded by Westchester residents for a wide variety of home improvement projects. Franzoso also has a long record of supporting community organizations including Hudson
I’m always doing something. In summer, it’s my garden, and watching or attending live sporting events or concerts.
”
— MARK FRANZOSO 26
Early-career mistake you learned from? Never give a price
from a set of plans and then return them back to the builder.
Movie you’re always up to rewatch? Anything with Denzel. Professional advice you ignored? Don’t work so much. I’m
glad I ignored that advice.
Current book recommendation? On a recent vacation I read
four books by Harlan Coben, love him. Next up is something by Tess Gerritsen, another favorite, who wrote “Harvest” and “The Mephisto Club.”
Favorite ways to spend downtime? I’m always doing
BOTTOM LEFT: COURTESY MARK FRANZOSO
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Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, Purple Hearts Homes, which renovates and repairs homes for veterans, and Support Connection, a breast and ovarian cancer support group.
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Iona University graduate Scott Edelman started working at Burke Rehabilitation in the early 1990s and grew to believe so deeply in the mission that he never moved on. He rose through the ranks from an entry-level role in the mailroom to Executive Director in 2022; under his aegis, Burke launched a multi-year strategic plan that is driving record patient volume, strong financials, and nationally recognized outcomes. He teaches and encourages next gen healthcare pros as an adjunct professor in the MBA programs at Iona, SUNY New Paltz, and Long Island University Hudson.
something. In summer, it’s my garden, and watching or attending live sporting events or concerts. Early bird or night owl? Early bird. I love the mornings.
MICHAEL SPICER President & CEO
SAINT JOSEPH’S MEDICAL CENTER
Under Michael Spicer’s thoughtful leadership, what was once a Yonkers community hospital has evolved into a fully integrated healthcare network encompassing emergency and inpatient care, behavioral health, outpatient services, and supportive housing for the elderly. Spicer, who joined Saint Joseph’s Medical Center in 1984 and has served as CEO since 2000, is the longest-serving hospital president in Westchester and has admirably overseen major capital improvements and facility expansions while managing the organization’s overall steady growth.
Movie you’re always up to rewatch? “Catch Me If You
Can” is a great lesson in auditing, controls, and how gaps in systems get exploited. It’s a reminder that strong systems and oversight matter as much as talent.
Favorite way to spend down time? Playing in an old man’s
basketball league. I’m the commissioner. It’s competitive, keeps me active, and gives me a completely different outlet.
Best and worst habits? Professional or personal, up to you.
Pursuit of perfection; lack of patience.
Movie you’re always up to rewatch? “Rocky.” Favorite ways to spend down time? Boating, golf,
time with grandkids.
Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points for your goto order. Zuppa in Yonkers, and I’m partial to the pappardelle
with veal ragu.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Professional baseball player.
Early bird or night owl? Early bird.
MARK STAGG President
STAGG GROUP
“
Best habit: being decisive; worst, inability to focus on one thing at a time.
”
— MARK STAGG
A sizable number of affordable housing developments and mixeduse projects in our area originated with Stagg Group, founded by Mark Stagg in 1996. His community-focused firm is among the region’s leading market-rate and affordable housing developers and landlords, with a portfolio exceeding 5,000 units of housing across Westchester, the Bronx, and New York City. Giving back locally is a key element of company culture, which includes annual large-scale initiatives, such as Back-to-School Supply Drives, and holiday gift and turkey giveaways. Early-career mistake you learned from? Micromanaging
everything.
Current book recommendation? Al Pacino’s memoir,
“Sonny Boy.”
Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order. Tre Angelina in White Plains—I order the
veal piccata.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Teacher—to make a positive impact on children’s lives.
ENORMOUS CREATIVE
Early bird or night owl? Early bird.
SCOTT A. EDELMAN, MBA, CPA, CFE Executive Director
BURKE REHABILITATION® (Member of the Montefiore
Health System)
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I’m usually asleep by midnight and up at 5:15 a.m. I maximize both ends of the day to stay ahead and create uninterrupted focus time.
”
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— SCOTT A. EDELMAN, MBA, CPA, CFE
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Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg. The show delivers long-form conversation about current events, markets, technology, and public policy. If you could have any other job, what would it be? Running
“
Early-career mistake: Trying to do everything by myself instead of trusting and empowering my employees.
”
— MATT RAND
a beachside bar and playing guitar at sunset.
Early bird or night owl? Night owl.
MARCO CARUSO, D.C. Founder
SPINE CARE
Dr. Marco Caruso earned his doctorate from the University of Bridgeport School of Chiropractic and specializes in musculoskeletal care, soft tissue injuries, and rehabilitation programs for disc herniations. His now-multidisciplinary practice, which has grown to include Scarsdale Physical Therapy and Eastern Wellness Acupuncture, features Y-Axis Decompression Adjustment, a cuttingedge technique designed to relieve spinal compression, reduce nerve pain, and restore mobility. He also supports community schools. Early-career mistake you learned from? Not delegating some work responsibilities to employees and trying to do everything by myself. Best and worst habits? Professional or personal, up to you.
Being thorough with all of my records and managing every aspect of the day. It is great for business, but when it carries into my personal life, I can drive myself nuts with small details wanting everything to be perfect. Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order. P.F. Chang’s for the Chang’s Spicy Chicken.
Reliable, consistent, and has a kick!
Podcast pick? “Becker’s Healthcare Podcast.” Quick, relevant
insights that keep me current on healthcare trends.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
President of Basketball Operations & Strategy for the New York Knicks. It’s the ultimate blend of strategy, talent management, and performance under pressure.
Professional advice you ignored? Be careful about taking on
too much.
Favorite way to spend down time? Playing golf. If you could have any other job, what would it be?
F1 Racecar Driver.
Early bird or night owl? Early bird.
Early bird or night owl? Both. I’m usually asleep by midnight
and up at 5:15 a.m. I maximize both ends of the day to stay ahead and create uninterrupted focus time.
MATT RAND CEO and President
TOP: GEORGE PEJOVES; BOTTOM RIGHT: JEN PARENTE PHOTOGRAPHY
HOWARD HANNA | RAND REALTY
Matt Rand started his real estate career working with family at the Rockland County brokerage founded by his mother, Marsha Rand, which expanded into Westchester and across the Hudson Valley in the late ’90s. Over more than two decades, Rand helped transform Rand Realty into one of the largest independent brokerages in the country prior to its 2020 partnership with Howard Hanna. He now leads a multi-state organization encompassing more than 120 offices and over $10 billion in annual sales volume.
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Professional advice I ignored: Be careful about taking on too much.
”
— MARCO CARUSO, D.C.
Early-career mistake you learned from? Trying to do too much myself instead of trusting and empowering the people around me. Movie you’re always up to rewatch? “The Wolf of Wall
Street” directed by Martin Scorsese.
Current book recommendation? ”Atomic Habits” by James Clear. The author emphasizes the power of small, incremental changes. Podcast pick? ”All-In”, an American business and technology
podcast hosted by four venture capitalists: Chamath
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( industry deep dive )
The thing about insurance is that it plays a huge part in dealing with accidents, disasters, and losses that most of us would really rather not think about, let alone go through. By their very nature, claims are made in hard times. That’s where insurance pros come in—their life’s work is about helping people prepare for and recover from the worst. The industry as a whole is struggling with evolving risks, increasingly complex coverage scenarios, and rapidly rising costs, while on the consumer side, premiums pose an ever-increasing burden. Westchester-area insurance agents are focused on learning, navigating, and showing up for their clients.
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BY SUSAN SCHULZ WUORNOS
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W ( industry deep dive )
Weather-related losses have become one of the biggest forces shaping the insurance industry.
Considering a Career Pivot? Certain skill sets translate well into the insurance business, according to Big I’s Ashley Engl. “There’s a place in insurance for almost any career background,” she says. A few examples: • Teachers make great insurance salespeople because they’re good at educating others. • Former athletes also do well in sales because of their competitive nature and focus on hitting goals. • Retail and hospitality professionals can seamlessly translate their communication and conflict resolution skills into customer service and claims roles. • Former military and public safety professionals can thrive in risk control and leadership positions. 32
responding to problems after the fact but on helping clients avoid them in the first place. “The needs of clients are changing as the world evolves,” explains Ashley Engl, Next-Gen Chair of Big-I New York, a national trade association offering education and advocacy for independent insurance agencies. “With the hardening market, the industry has to assess more options and be creative with risk mitigation.” Those broader shifts are playing out on the local level. Some of the major trends, explained below, are clearly affecting Westchester insurance businesses.
Extreme weather is driving up costs for everyone.
Weather-related losses have become one of the biggest forces shaping the industry. Catastrophic events across the country—from wildfires in California to hailstorms in the Midwest to hurricanes in the South—affect insurers’ overall exposure to potential loss, which in turn impacts premiums nationwide. “The Los Angeles fires last year led to the biggest claim in our insurance history, and that impacts rates for everyone,” says Ken Fuirst, co-president of Levitt-Fuirst Associates in Tarrytown. While Westchester doesn’t typically experience disasters on that scale, it isn’t immune to severe weather. Intense rainstorms, flash flooding, and winter events like January’s snowmageddon have caused significant damage,
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While it is often said that in life, death and taxes are the only inevitabilities, insurance could easily be third on that list. While other industries tighten and shift in response to economic uncertainty, global conflicts, and AI’s growing impact on the workforce, the demand for property and casualty insurance, in particular, remains relatively steady—which means that, despite its maybe less-than-glamorous reputation, insurance is an important and solid business to be in. Nationally, the U.S. property and casualty insurance industry represents a nearly trillion-dollar market, with roughly $900 billion in annual premiums, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). This is all driven by rising property values, increasing liability exposure, and ongoing business formation—all trends that are reflected in Westchester. With downtowns in cities like White Plains, New Rochelle, Port Chester, and Yonkers continuing to be revitalized, more small businesses are emerging, leading to additional need for coverage. At the same time, Westchester’s high-end housing stock—often featuring older homes using unique materials such as stucco and 100-year-old wood—requires specialized insurance. The industry itself is in a period of transformation, strengthening long-term market stability and improving how risk is understood, priced, and managed, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Technological advances are allowing insurers to be more data-driven and precise in underwriting, and through advanced analytics, catastrophe modeling, and geospatial tools, companies are better able to anticipate risk and try to reduce loss. In that sense, insurance agencies are becoming almost akin to doctors—focused not just on
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including frozen pipes and roof issues. Even homes outside designated flood zones can be vulnerable. “If you’re at the bottom of a hill, you need to be cognizant of the water that could potentially come down,” Fuirst points out. As these events become more frequent, premiums are rising, and homeowners are reassessing their policies to be sure they have adequate coverage.
Auto insurance fraud is pushing premiums higher.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, New York drivers pay an average of $1,935 per household in auto insurance, ranking us fourth-highest nationwide. A press release issued in May by Governor Kathy Hochul’s office stated, “New Yorkers’ insurance rates total an average of slightly more than $4,000 annually, nearly $1,500 above the national average. Car insurance rates are driven up by a combination of fraud, litigation, legal loopholes, and enforcement gaps. Staged crashes and associated insurance fraud inflate premiums up to $300 a year, according to some estimates.” This is driven in part by fraud tied to the state’s no-fault insurance system. Established in the 1970s, the no-fault system was designed to speed up payments and reduce litigation by requiring drivers’ own insurers to cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. While it streamlined some aspects of claims, it also led to high
SOME TOOLS OF THE TRADE Insurance industry professionals tap into a variety of sources to stay up to date on their ever-changing industry. Insurance Information Institute, aka Triple-I, consistently provides data-driven insights to educate industry professionals, public policymakers, consumers, and the media. Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA) is a membership organization that provides educational resources and advocacy geared to the captive insurance industry. Big I New York, also a membership association, serves independent agents specifically. Seven Big I state associations founded Catalyit, an organization focused on helping agents understand changes in insurance industry technology. Annual “E-Days,” or Education Days, take place regionally all over the U.S., featuring speakers, classes and vendors to help insurance professionals keep current on developments and trends. Old-fashioned networking provides real-time feedback. “Captive agency owners will meet, sometimes with independent agents as well. We get lunch or dinner and just talk shop, like, ‘Here’s what I’m seeing, what about you?” says GEICO agent Weezie Mullaly.
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( industry deep dive )
A Tale of Two Agencies
I
nsurance agencies may very well be part of the fabric of your town’s Main Street. There are family-owned agencies that get passed down through generations, and others run by people who never intended to go into insurance but fell into it by accident and have since become passionate about the industry. Many support youth programs and nonprofits to give back to their communities. Two such stories—one involving some happenstance, the other of legacy—offer a peek behind the curtain. CAPTIVE AGENCY
Overview A captive agent owns the business itself but offers only one corporation’s insurance products. (In this case, GEICO.) Though not technically a franchise, it’s a similar concept. Captive agents receive corporate support through zone managers and support staff. Mullaly’s Backstory “My first year out of college, I worked for a State Farm agent on Long Island. Then I moved over to work for GEICO corporate, which at the time wasn’t known the way it is now, and spent 18 years working in every department including sales, service, claims, underwriting, human resources, and training. Then an opportunity came up where you could become an independent contractor and start your own scratch agency, which is an agency that has to build their own book of business. It was a risk, but I knew that GEICO had done their research and that Westchester was a good market. So, in 2011, I moved to Westchester and started the agency with two other employees in a 975square-foot space on Central Avenue in Scarsdale. We acclimated to the community and started to grow pretty quickly. Then I moved a mile down the road to Yonkers. As one of the largest cities in New York outside of the boroughs, it’s a great place to have a business.” Ebbing and Flowing with the Tide “At one point we were booming. I had a huge operation with 48 agents. But when something changes within the industry, such as underwriting gets tightened up and corporate has to turn a dial, it impacts us. As a captive agency owner, you expect it. You know that insurance is cyclical, and you’ll have some very big growth years and others that are more just steady.” Community Connection “We try to connect with as many people as possible and teach them about insurance through Facebook posts and videos called ‘Wednesdays with Weezie’ on Instagram. Even if it’s not pertinent to them at that moment, they’ll remember seeing something and call when the time comes. Offline, we’re involved in as many local events as we can.”
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Last Word “With technology, I think there will probably be lots of changes coming in the insurance industry, but there’s still a big benefit to having an agent you know.” INDEPENDENT AGENCY
LEVITT-FUIRST ASSOCIATES Third-generation, family-owned, established in 1969 Ken Fuirst, Co-President Overview As an independent agency, they represent multiple insurance carriers and products. Being independent allows them flexibility to adapt to changes in the industry. Their customers are a wide range of businesses, real estate and construction companies, and high-net-worth individuals, in Westchester County, throughout the U.S., and around the world. Fuirst’s Backstory “My father and his partner, David Levitt, were law school friends and co-founded the agency together in the 1960s. Growing up watching my father work, I saw how much he enjoyed helping clients and being his own boss. But I didn’t go right into the insurance business myself. I got my MBA from Columbia and worked in corporate America for several years, both for Johnson & Johnson and International Paper. In my late 20s, a new generation of management took the reins at the agency, myself included, and we began to grow what was already a very successful small business with 12 employees. My partner Jason Schiciano and I are Co-Presidents, and we’ve used our corporate experience to grow the organization to what is now 80 employees, only five of which are salespeople. The rest are support staff, customer service, and those working within the technical aspects of the business.” Word of Mouth “Attorneys, accountants, and realtors send their clients to us. Those professionals want to refer to someone they know is well-educated and who will deal directly with them.” Last Word “What I like best about my job is helping people and businesses. We’re here to teach them and help solve their problems, giving them that peace of mind so they can focus on their own growth and success. Some of my clients have been with me for 30 years, and it’s fun watching their businesses grow, knowing that I had a part in that.”
FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY WEEZIE MULLALY; COURTESY KEN FUIRST
WEEZIE MULLALY INSURANCE AGENCY 15 years in business Weezie Mullaly, CEO
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claim volumes, disputes over medical treatment, and widespread fraud. This results in higher premiums for everyday drivers, squeezing household budgets. In response, Governor Kathy Hochul prioritized reform. New regulations recently signed into law aim to tighten liability rules and adjust how damages are awarded, with the goal of lowering costs. The plan faced opposition from trial lawyers and consumer advocates concerned about limiting compensation for injured drivers. However, it could lead to reduced insurance costs as early as sometime next year.
Consolidation is changing the customer experience.
Another major shift in the industry is the growing role of private equity. Investment firms are increasingly acquiring small and mid-sized independent agencies, consolidating operations, and eventually selling them for a profit. While that strategy can be lucrative for investors, it may come at a cost to customers. Longstanding relationships can be disrupted, and service may become less personalized. Clients who once worked with a dedicated agent may find themselves dealing with rotating contacts that lack the familiarity and level of trust they’re accustomed do.
Strategic coverage choices can better protect homeowners.
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As property values rise in Westchester, so does the cost of rebuilding or repairing a home—making adequate insurance coverage more important than ever. For higher-value homes, experts say it often makes sense to prioritize protection against major, catastrophic losses rather than smaller, routine claims. “When you have a nice house in Scarsdale or Chappaqua, you allocate your insurance dollars toward the more catastrophic exposures and take higher deductibles,” Fuirst explains. “You don’t insure the small things because you can afford to replace them.” That approach ensures that if a major event occurs, homeowners have the resources to fully restore their property—including specialized elements like slate roofs or original woodwork—without being underinsured.
AI is improving efficiency— but not replacing people.
Like most industries, insurance is exploring how artificial intelligence can improve efficiency and enhance customer service. AI is already being used to streamline communication and help agents prepare for client meetings. Because insurance policies can
Getting Licensed In New York, to become a licensed insurance agent or broker, you must be 18 and pass a state licensing exam administered by PSI Services, a testing organization contracted by the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS). First, you must complete coursework either in-person or online in your area of choice, whether Property & Casualty, Life, Accident & Health, or Personal Lines, and then you take the appropriate exam. A college degree is not required to pursue insurance licensure.
KNOW ANY FUTUREFOCUSED GEN Z-ERS? According to a career study by Cake & Arrow, a product innovation agency that works with the insurance and financial services industries, 79% of Gen Z have never considered working in insurance, and nearly half (49%) say they have no interest in the field. Sixty-seven percent describe insurance careers as boring. Even so, they should consider that 400,000 workers are expected to retire from the insurance industry this year. That creates unique and potentially lucrative opportunities, notes Ken Fuirst, especially for strategic thinkers with excellent listening skills and the ability to project empathy in person and by phone. Big I’s Ashley Engl adds, “As the world is changing, the needs of insurance are changing, too. This is not a career where you’re ever going to be bored.” Weezie Mullaly sums it up this way: “You never really meet anybody who says, ‘I want to grow up and sell insurance.’ But it’s an amazing industry.”
79%
of Gen Z have never considered working in insurance
400,000
workers are expected to retire from the insurance industry this year.
vary widely between carriers—and similar coverage can be described or handled differently—AI tools can help agents and clients better understand their options. It can also serve as a training and coaching resource for sales teams, helping them more clearly explain and compare policies. Still, industry professionals emphasize that AI is a supplement, not a substitute, for human expertise. “We’re not looking to replace employees,” says Fuirst. “We’re looking to utilize them better—focusing on technical knowledge and client-facing work instead of getting bogged down with non-productive tasks.”
Local agents still offer a key advantage.
In an era when almost anything can be purchased online—including insurance—it may be tempting to go with the fastest, most convenient option. But insurance is rarely one-size-fits-all, so a quick solution may not be the best one. Working with a local agent offers a level of continuity and expertise that’s hard to replicate through a call center or app. Instead of speaking with a different representative each time, clients have a consistent point of contact who understands their specific needs. “There are still a lot of people who want to work with someone knowledgeable who can provide personalized guidance,” says Weezie Mullaly, CEO of Mullaly Insurance Agency in Yonkers. “The benefit of a small agency is that I’m your dedicated agent—you can call me or email me with a question anytime.” WESTCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
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When businesses and nonprofits form successful partnerships, both sides come out ahead. Talk about boosting the bottom line. By Andrea Atkins
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Restauranteur Peter Herrero spent $4,500 to sponsor a tasting event for Feeding Westchester last April. Herrero, whose White Plains-based New York Hospitality Group operates Sam’s of Gedney Way, C.V. Rich Mansion, Caperberry Events, The Great American BBQ Co., and four Everyday Healthy Café locations, felt good about donating to an organization that addresses food insecurity in the county. But Herrero freely admits there’s a bigger reason he supports the well-known nonprofit. “I get to feed my soul through my wallet,” he points out. “And also, it helps my business.” Herrero is involved in several successful partnerships with nonprofits around Westchester. And while he certainly wants to be known for his philanthropic endeavors, he is, at heart, a businessman. “There has to be an ROI,” he says. Whether he’s hosting a “10 percent Wednesday” at Sam’s of Gedney Way (where 10 percent of the sales go to a particular charity) or he’s teaming up with Feeding Westchester, he says partnerships pay off on two levels. “They spread the word about an organization, but they also make people think, ‘Oh, Pete’s a good guy’ and ‘Sam’s is a good business.’” Partnerships between businesses and nonprofits are on the upswing here, according to Dr. Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester (BCW). The simple reason is that both sides benefit. She says that the BCW encourages partnerships and appreciates businesses that contribute to community-based nonprofits, not only financially, but also with ongoing active engagement. Gordon sees
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7B Design founder Judith Heimowitz helped upgrade a Ronald McDonald House in Valhalla to support families of kids being treated in nearby hospitals. companies of all sizes, sectors, and types collaborating, from the smallest businesses to the largest corporations.
For restauranteur Peter Herrero, supporting Feeding Westchester made sense both personally and professionally. 38
THE MANY UPSIDES Partnering with a nonprofit can have multiple benefits, such as developing employee pride, enhancing teamwork, or making a firm a more attractive employer, especially to younger workers, according to Gordon. Gen Z talent is drawn to cross-sector partnerships because they reflect a company’s culture and values, she says. “They want the ability to do something outside of their regular work that is fulfilling, personally and professionally,” she says. Done right, the corporate partner “gets as much, if not more, out of the partnership, because it can drive visibility, increase sales, and improve employee engagement,” says Medalie; it can also create good will among current and prospective customers. Herrero notes that he usually meets people at charity events that later come to his restaurants or hire his catering services. Beyond boosting the bottom line, nonprofit partnerships can strengthen the environment where a company operates. For instance, Wiley Harrison of Business of Your Business (BYB), a White Plains business services company, says that partnering with an organization such as the Thomas H. Slater Center in White Plains or African American Men of Westchester helps him sleep better at night. “I like living in a strong community where there’s little crime and little poverty. I just want to be part of that success.” GOOD MATCHES A meaningful partnership can result from respecting an
FROM TOP: NICK CARTER; Y NOT YOU MEDIA
PARTNERSHIPS 101 When it comes to defining a partnership, “There’s a whole range,” says Lauren Medalie, founder of Do Some Good, a Westchester-based agency that connects businesses and nonprofits for meaningful and mutually beneficial collaborations. It might be as small and grassroots as a retail store donating a percentage of one night’s sales to a charity; it could involve a corporate behemoth like MasterCard giving employees time to volunteer at Cranberry Lake Preserve or involve Con Edison and NY Presbyterian Hospital sponsoring Sunday bike rides on the Bronx River Parkway. Whatever the collab, nonprofit and business executives agree: Successful programs require careful planning, shared expectations, meticulous execution, and attention to each partner’s needs.
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How to Get Started
Finding the right cross-sector partner is a bit like dating; it takes time, thought, and conversation. Keep these tips top of mind: ❤ Make sure the company’s leadership is all in. “It has to come straight from the top because no company will have a successful campaign if the leader doesn’t want to do it,” Medalie says. ❤ Know your organization’s top priorities. Without a clear destination, no path can get you there.
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❤ Fine-tune your group’s self-awareness. If you are a company, identify what would seem likely to motivate your customers or employees and what kind of nonprofit connection could stimulate that. If you are a nonprofit, think about what type of corporate partner could help you reach goals in a broader sense, such as by getting expert guidance, raising funds, or attracting new volunteers.
organization’s mission or by realizing you have resources that could help. And sometimes it’s both. Evan Rohrlick, a developmentally disabled person, has been working in the warehouse at The Mines Press for 28 years. He was placed by nonprofit The Arc Westchester, a Hawthornebased agency that provides a broad range of programs to support kids, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities. Steven Mines, president of the printing business headquartered in Cortlandt Manor, had a lifechanging moment in 2016 while attending a breakfast sponsored by The Arc. “There I am in this room, and I realized that these people with disabilities are hidden from view. I resolved then and there to get involved,” he says. Terming himself “blown away,” he went back to the office and said, “We need to hire someone else.” Soon Rohrlick was joined by another person placed by The Arc. Mines knew it could be tricky. “When you take a person like Evan or Dennis [the other Arc employee] and drop them into the workplace, it can pose a challenge to the group,” he admits. “The initial reaction was, ‘No, I don’t wanna work with this guy.’” But in the end, Mines says, “I have never experienced anything better to draw the spirit of our place together. Once you work though any issues, it makes everybody feel really good about themselves.” Mines is now a huge booster of The Arc; beyond offering employment opportunities, he sits on the organization’s board and encourages donations to the group through a link on his company’s web site and offers to match contributions dollar for dollar.
❤ Build relationships because you never know where they could lead. Glenn Pacchiana of Thalle Industries heard Ned Sullivan, the president of Scenic Hudson, speak at a breakfast. “I wanted to get to know him, so I just went up to him, and now we work together all the time.” Even if you feel your schedule is already too packed, don’t hesitate. “Just put it on the calendar, give an hour a week, and start there,” he suggests. “Then hold yourself accountable.”
“ ”
There I am in this room, and I realized that these people with disabilities are hidden from view. I resolved then and there to get involved. —Steven Mines, president of The Mines Press
Judith Heimowitz, owner of 7B Designs in Scarsdale, offered her services to transform an underutilized fitness space in a Ronald McDonald House in Valhalla into an office for staff who work with families. The organization’s mission, to house parents whose sick children are being treated nearby—in this case, at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital—spoke to Heimowitz, whose own daughter was once hospitalized there. By teaming up with vendors to get lighting, flooring, electrical work, and furniture donated, Heimowitz says she experienced an “exact match in expertise and experience.” The project became a personal mission to help parents currently going through what she’d dealt with in the past. WESTCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
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Glenn Pacchiana, president of Thalle Industries, an asphalt and quarry company based in Briarcliff Manor, says the best way to identify a meaningful partner is to align with something you’re passionate about. For Pacchiana, that’s the outdoors. Thalle sponsors trucks and supports the Graffiti Squad for the Westchester Parks Foundation. His company also partners with the Scenic Hudson Land Trust, and supports Paws Crossed, an animal rescue organization that happens to be located in the building next door. SETTING EXPECTATIONS Partnerships work best when both the business and the nonprofit org have some sense of shared values that have been clearly communicated between both groups, says Lori Glowacki, regional executive director for Blood Cancer United. “We have to understand the business’s giving guidelines, what they’re hoping to get out of it, how they can make a difference to our organization, whether they want to get their employees involved, and what their ‘why’ is,” she says. “You need to have a conversation at the beginning about how you’ll partner together and how you’ll make this work.” Medalie agrees that if everyone understands from the outset what they are hoping to gain from the partnership, it will usually work out better. Good discussions might include delineating who will gather volunteers for an event, who will post to social media, how often meetings will take place, and what results can be hoped for. NURTURING THE RELATIONSHIP At Ridge Hill shopping center in Yonkers, customers pass numerous colorful murals as they wander the property. These were created through a partnership with Arts Westchester. It’s been a phenomenal program, says chief executive officer Kathleen Reckling, because it supports local artists, matches the group’s mission to make arts more accessible to Westchester residents “where they live and gather,” and makes the open-air shopping center more attractive overall. Once those murals were completed, however, Reckling and Arts Westchester didn’t walk away. “We are working with them on signage and pushing our partners to think about art not just as visual, but as something that can be functional,” she says, noting that
“ ”
We have to understand the business’s giving guidelines, what they’re hoping to get out of it, how they can make a difference to our organization, whether they want to get their employees involved, and what their ‘why’ is. —Lori Glowacki, regional executive director for Blood Cancer United 40
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP COURTESY ARTS WESTCHESTER; KATIE MOORE; STOCK.ADOBE.COM / JOZEFMICIC
An inclusive workforce helps define a positive company culture at The Mines Press.
Colorful public art creates a cool vibe at Ridge Hill, thanks to a partnership with Arts Westchester. the group has recently paired with real estate developers such as Graystar Property and Ginsburg Development Companies. “Relationship maintenance is really important. You never know when that could generate another partnership.” To keep in touch, “We have status meetings, reports, and a level of involvement,” says Tibisay Guzman, CEO of The Arc Westchester. “We are there to support our partners. It gives reassurance to the business. Preparation and follow up are a big part of what we do.” Basic etiquette goes a long way, too. Gordon believes most businesses form partnerships out of a desire to “do good things.” But they also want some recognition and support from their nonprofit partners. “Appreciation is important,” she says. “Any good not-for-profit understands that there are many opportunities and many ways to show gratitude, whether it’s a sincere verbal thank you, an award, a piece in their newsletter, or a social media post. That’s not why most businesses are engaged, but it is certainly a good thing to do.” “Similarly, part of being a good corporate partner is to honor the values of that nonprofit and its culture
and to spread the word about what the organization is doing,” she adds. In other words, says Medalie, “It’s really a collaborative relationship.” EVALUATING RESULTS Once you’ve engaged in a partnership with a nonprofit, how do you measure its success? If you set goals at the beginning, as is recommended, you should be able to assess its effectiveness. Not all initiatives have the same goals, but a strong campaign might include, for instance: ■ Driving sales ■ Increasing visibility ■ Engaging employees or customers ■ Changing workplace culture ■ Raising a targeted amount of money Whatever the goals, success depends on company and cause embracing the campaign, says Colleen Lee, Northeast corporate partnerships director for Blood Cancer United. Close collaboration increases the chances of success and plants the seeds for creating an even bigger ‘win-win’ scenario the next time around. WESTCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
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thebcw.org • July/August 2026 914-948-2110
www.thebcw.org
the business council of westchester
BUSINESSinc BUSINESS
BCW Celebrates 25th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Silver Jubilee
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ore than 400 business professionals were on hand April 28 when the Business Council of Westchester proudly hosted its 25th Annual Hall of Fame Awards Silver Jubilee, marking a milestone celebration honoring exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact across Westchester County’s dynamic business community. The evening served as both a celebration of achievement and a reflection on 25 years of recognizing the individuals and organizations that help drive the region’s economic vitality. Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester, opened the ceremony stating “This year’s Hall of Fame winners reflect what our 25th Silver Jubilee is all about. They are shining examples of what silver symbolizes – durability and radiance and they represent a vibrant spectrum of sectors including: building infrastructure, entrepreneurship, disaster restoration, advertising, social services, healthcare and transportation.” James Schutzer, the Chairman of the BCW’s Board of Directors stated, “It was important to note as we mark this milestone year, we invited our winners to reflect on the foundations of their success and to share how innovation and leadership are shaping their future. This year’s Hall of Fame winners once again show the strength and vitality of Westchester ‘s business community.” Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson, the Managing Partner of Thompson and Bender and Co-Chair of the BCW’s 2026 Hall of Fame said, “This evening is a shining example of what the Silver Jubilee stands for, strength and endurance. This year’s winners have each demonstrated those characteristics.”
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Seated, from left, Steven Mines, President, The Mines Press; Lisa Cordasco, President, New Crystal Restoration; Beata Mastalerz, President, Northwell Phelps Hospital; Carl Petrillo, President, Yonkers Contracting Company; Douglas Thornton, Founder & Owner, Accredited Limousine Service; Corine Lurry-Mabin, President, Andrus; and Ronnie Ram, Founder & CEO, Inspiria Outdoor Advertising. Standing, from left, BCW Chairman of the Board James Schutzer, Senior Partner, Alera Group; Rosemary Cordasco, CFO, New Crystal Restoration; BCW Senior Vice President of Events and Development Amanda DePalma; BCW President & CEO Marsha Gordon; Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson, Partner, Thompson & Bender, and Joseph McCoy, Market President Commercial Banking, Valley Bank.
Joseph McCoy, Market President of Valley Bank and Co-Chair of the BCW’s 2026 Hall of Fame stated, “Tonight’s winners represent a diverse range of businesses and organizations. this year’s winners are the fabric of what makes our business community so strong, and they also are an impressive reflection of the variety of members that make the Business Council of Westchester the largest and most prestigious business membership organization in the county.” Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins underscored the BCW’s enduring role in the region’s success, stating, “From my perspective, the Business Council of Westchester has never just been a business organization. It’s been a partner, a connector, a catalyst for the road that brings together industry, government and
community that keeps Westchester moving forward.” A consistent and powerful theme throughout the evening was the emphasis each honoree placed on their employees. In every acceptance speech, winners highlighted that their success was made possible not only through leadership and vision, but through the dedication, talent, and commitment of their teams. This collective recognition added a deeply human dimension to the celebration, reinforcing that strong organizations are built by people working together toward a shared mission. With gratitude, vision, and a sense of shared purpose, the Silver Jubilee reaffirmed the BCW’s ongoing mission to elevate business excellence and foster meaningful connections across the region.
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2 • thebcw.org • July/August 2026
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
The BCW Salutes 2026 Hall of Fame Award Honorees 25th Annual Awards Silver Jubilee April 28 Glen Island Harbor Club, New Rochelle
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Entrepreneurial Success Award Steven Mines, President The Mines Press
Corporate Citizenship Award Carl Petrillo, President Yonkers Contracting Company
Minority Business Success Award Corine Lurry-Mabin, President, Andrus
Family Business Success Award Lisa Cordasco, President New Crystal Restoration
Women in Business Success Award Beata Mastalerz, President, Northwell Phelps Hospital
Small Business Success Award Ronnie Ram, Founder & CEO Inspiria Outdoor Advertising
Chairman’s Recognition Award Douglas Thornton, Founder & Owner, Accredited Limousine Service
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PA R T N E R C O N T E N T
FOCUS ON
YONKERS
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Film Industry Generates a Blockbuster Hit for Yonkers
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onkers’ fast-growing film production industry has emerged as a dynamic economic engine, generating for the city approximately $46 million in sales and nearly $12 million in earnings. A recent report by an economic development consulting firm showed the film industry generating nearly $12 million in total earnings, including $8.5 in direct earnings. Production activity included 124 production days across the city. In addition, the City of Yonkers collected approximately $961,000 from film permits, location rental revenue, and occupancy tax from hotel stays. “Yonkers has firmly established itself as the premier destination for film and television in New York, and the impact on our local economy is nothing short of
transformative,” says Mayor Mike Spano. “This is a story about the millions of dollars in economic activity that stays in our community. We are seeing a new wave of ‘location tourism’ where visitors travel from across the country to walk in the same halls they’ve seen on screen. Film in Yonkers is more than an industry—it is a vital engine for our small businesses, our cultural landmarks, and our city’s future.” Mayor Spano adds, “We also thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her continued support of New York’s film and television industry through the state’s film production tax credit program, which has been instrumental in attracting productions to communities like Yonkers and sustaining this vital sector of our economy.”
HOLLYWOOD ON HUDSON As Hollywood on Hudson, Yonkers is the premier destination for the entertainment industry and home to the largest film and TV production hub in the Northeast. Great Point Studios currently operates eight sound stages across three locations—Wells Avenue, Warburton Avenue, and 1050 North Broadway—with plans to expand to 15–20 stages, along with a dedicated LED Car Stage at 134 Woodworth Avenue. The campus is also home to PHYGITALFX, a Yonkers-based media production services and equipment rental company, 100% owned by
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including during the pandemic. Visitors now travel from across the country to explore locations they recognize from film and television. Museum guests arrive from 45 states and over a thousand ZIP codes, drawn in part by recent screen appearances.” Most striking is the mutual benefit between the industry and the City of Yonkers. “Productions find authentic locations, supportive infrastructure, competitive costs, and efficient city coordination. In return, the city gains jobs, spending, cultural vitality, strengthened institutions, and increased national visibility,” the report notes. ATTENDING NEWS CONFERENCE IN MARCH WERE, FROM LEFT, FILM PRODUCER JONATHAN FILLEY; LAW & ORDER DIRECTOR MIKE SMITH; CITY COUNCIL MAJORITY LEADER JOHN RUBBO; MAYOR MIKE SPANO; YONKERS OFFICE OF FILM DIRECTOR MELISSA GOLDBERG; GREAT POINT STUDIOS CEO ROBERT HALMI; AND CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT LAKISHA COLLINS-BELLAMY
Great Point Studios, which supports film, television, broadcast and live events with comprehensive gear and technical expertise. Yonkers is also home to Hudson Scenic, a company that specializes in the design and construction of television, film, and theatrical sets. Hudson Scenic is a highly reputable fabrication company known for award-winning major televised events and Broadway sets. The company was acquired by Great Point Studios to further expand its film and media production capabilities. Tenants at Great Point Studios include Lionsgate, Apple, NBC, Paramount, and Starz, among others. Further strengthening the ecosystem, the University of Mount Saint Vincent is joining the Wells Avenue campus, alongside the recently opened Yonkers Public Schools film and television specialty high school Robert Halmi Sr. Academy, reinforcing Yonkers’ role as a growing center for education, innovation, and entertainment production.
BENEFIT TO BUSINESS COMMUNITY The film industry’s impact extends across Yonkers’ business community, with forprofit entities, nonprofit organizations, and cultural institutions all benefiting from production activity.
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“Local restaurants benefit from increased patronage during shoots, hardware stores supply materials for set construction, transportation companies move equipment and personnel, and property owners generate rental income from location fees,” the report states. In addition to film production at Great Point Studios, filming also takes place in private homes, local businesses, City properties, parks, and other locations throughout Yonkers.
SAINT JOSEPH’S MEDICAL CENTER: A Rich Tradition of Patient-Centered, Quality-Focused Care
EXPANDING CULTURAL VISIBILITY
Since 1888, Saint Joseph’s Medical Center has served the City of Yonkers and the surrounding communities of Westchester and New York City with patient-centered, quality-focused inpatient and outpatient care, including specialized programs such as orthopedics, cardiology, family medicine and geriatrics; advanced emergency treatment; state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and ambulatory surgery; inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services; and a network of primary care services serving
According to the report, what sets Yonkers apart is not only its physical assets, but the authentic character and civic pride that production teams tap into when they tell their stories, noting that local cultural organizations have experienced firsthand how filming has elevated their visibility and strengthened their operations. Among the noteworthy productions filmed in Yonkers are: The Penguin; Law & Order: SVU; The Glided Age; Dexter: Resurrection, and The Irishman. As explained in the report, “At the Hudson River Museum, productions from The Gilded Age to Severance have brought renewed attention to historic spaces and generated critical operating revenue during challenging periods,
RENDERING OF A PATIENT BAY IN SAINT JOSEPH’S MEDICAL CENTER’S NEW EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
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Westchester and the Bronx. Its Saint Vincent’s Hospital Westchester division in Harrison offers a comprehensive range of mental health, addiction and residential programs serving Westchester and New York City. Under the visionary leadership of President & CEO Michael J. Spicer, the hospital has undergone a dramatic expansion and development over the past 25 years. Today’s Saint Joseph’s includes a 194-bed acute care hospital, a 138-bed psychiatric hospital, affordable senior housing facilities, 1,500 supportive housing apartments throughout New York City and Westchester, and numerous out-patient programs and services for residents of Westchester and the five boroughs of New York City. Saint Joseph’s places a strong emphasis on education, as evidenced by its various residency programs and the esteemed Saint Joseph’s School of Nursing at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, which prepares the next generation of nurses.
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CROSS COUNTY CENTER’S EXPANSION INCLUDES A FOUR-ACRE PARK
CROSS COUNTY CENTER: Reshaping Yonkers’ Landscape
Cross County Center is reshaping Yonkers’ commercial landscape through a multiyear redevelopment designed to elevate its position as a premier regional destination. The project, slated for completion in Fall 2027, introduces 58,000 square feet of new retail, a
four-acre public park, boardwalk-style public spaces, and upgraded dining and entertainment infrastructure. Drawing more than 14 million visitors annually, Cross County Center continues to drive economic activity and sustained growth in Westchester, while offering free parking year-round. Cross County Center is located at the junction of Interstate 87 and the Cross County Parkway in Yonkers, NY.
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SOUND ASSOCIATES: Industry Pioneers
For more than 75 years, Sound Associates, Inc. has been known for its pioneering work in industry-leading design, equipment, fabrication, installation, and service for the performance industry, including Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters, international tours, concert halls, corporate facilities, arenas, houses of worship, and amphitheaters. Family owned and operated, Sound Associates has assisted in the growth and development of audio and video technology with innovative concepts and groundbreaking applications. Introducing the first infrared listening system to Broadway theaters led to a Tony Award in recognition of their deep commitment to making it possible for those with hearing loss to savor the pleasure of Broadway.
SOUND ASSOCIATES IS KNOWN FOR ITS LEADERSHIP IN THEATRE TECHNOLOGY
RESOURCES City of Yonkers 40 S Broadway, Yonkers 914.377.6300 | www.cityofyonkers.com Cross County Center 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers 914.968.9570 | www.crosscountycenter.com
Saint Joseph’s Medical Center 127 S Broadway, Yonkers 914.378.7000 | www.saintjosephs.org Sound Associates Inc. 979 Saw Mill River Rd, Yonkers 914.963.3452 | www.soundassociates.com Yonkers IDA 470 Nepperhan Ave, Suite 200, Yonkers 914.509.8651 | www.yonkersida.com
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2026 EVENTS SEPTEMBER
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CEO & LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE GOLF OUTING
914INC.’s CEO & Leadership Excellence Golf Outing blends networking and leisure with a day of golf, dinner, and awards honoring top CEOs—featured in the July/August issue.
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smart tips and in-the-know business advice to fuel your success. by amber katz
In-person convos can yield a wealth of information.
« the quick list
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4 Local Networking Groups There’s no shortage of networking groups in Westchester, and that’s a great thing. The key is to understand which ones best align with your business goals—otherwise, you risk doing what amounts to expensive socializing. Consider this a cheat sheet of organizations worth your time and hardearned money.
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( thINC Fast! ) Website Worth Bookmarking
thebcw.org
2. WOMEN’S ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT CENTER (WEDC) best for Mentorship, training, and financing support for women-owned businesses White Plains-based WEDC is one of the most useful resources in the county for women entrepreneurs, and one of the most underused. Beyond networking, it offers business training programs, oneon-one coaching, and assistance navigating small business loans and financing, including help accessing microloans and other small business funding. If you’re in the early to mid stages of building a business and want structured support alongside community, this is the room to be in. Program fees vary; many are low-cost or subsidized with affordability in mind. Definitely call to ask what’s currently available. wedcbusiness.org 52
3. BUSINESS NETWORK INTERNATIONAL (BNI) best for Warm referrals and direct lead generation BNI operates on a simple premise: One member per professional category per chapter, and everyone is there specifically to give and receive referrals. There are multiple active chapters across Westchester, including Elmsford, Scarsdale, and Tarrytown. It’s the most transactional of the four options on this list, and that’s not a criticism. If you run a service business and need a steady pipeline of warm referrals from people who actually know your work, BNI is hard to beat. The time commitment is real (weekly meetings are expected), and membership is generally around $500 or more per year plus an application fee; exact costs vary. The ROI depends entirely on how actively you participate.
bni.com (search by zip code for local chapters)
4. WESTCHESTER COUNTY ASSOCIATION best for Policy visibility and access for established businesses The WCA operates more like a regional roundtable than a traditional networking group. Its membership reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of the county’s major institutions, and its primary value is advocacy, policy influence, and visibility with government and civic leaders. For an established small business that wants a seat at the table when county-level decisions get made, it’s worth jumping in. For someone just starting out or focused primarily on leads and referrals, it may be more than you need right now. Membership is customized and priced accordingly; expect to call for a quote. westchester.org ( KEY STAT )
$118,976
This is Westchester’s median household income, significantly higher than the national figure, $83,730. Local business owners, take note—that’s not just a number, it’s a potential customer. SOURCE: CENSUS.GOV
score.org There’s a room full of experienced executives ready to meet with you, work through your business challenges, and give you honest, knowledgeable advice—all at no charge, for as long as you need. The thing is, most Westchester business owners have no idea this exists.
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CORE is a national nonprofit and resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration that matches small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with volunteer mentors. This includes retired and active executives, former business owners, and seasoned professionals across nearly every industry. SCORE Westchester serves Westchester County directly, including key hubs like White Plains, New Rochelle, Rye, Scarsdale, Yonkers, and Mount Vernon, and mentoring is completely free. Not free with an asterisk. Actually free. Many workshops are also free or low-cost. You can request a mentor match based on your industry and the specific challenges you’re navigating, whether that’s writing a business plan, securing financing, figuring out your marketing strategy, or preparing for a difficult conversation with a partner or investor. Mentoring sessions happen in person, by phone, or via video. There’s no limit on the number of sessions, and many business owners maintain long-term relationships with their SCORE mentors for years. Beyond one-on-one mentoring, score. org offers a deep library of free workshops, webinars, and templates covering everything from cash flow management to social media strategy to succession planning. One caveat: The quality of a SCORE experience depends significantly on the mentor match. Not every advisor will be a fit for every business, and it may take a session or two to find the right person. The site makes it easy to request a different mentor if the first match isn’t clicking. For any Westchester business owners who have ever wished they could sit down with someone who’s actually built and run a successful business, and get candid, experienced input with no sales pitch attached, this is exactly that.
SCORE Westchester | score.org/ny/ westchester | Free
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1. BUSINESS COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER best for Visibility, business development, and access to a large professional network With more than 1,000 members spanning multinational corporations, hospitals, universities, and small businesses, the BCW is Westchester’s largest and most established business organization. What makes it particularly useful for smaller operators is its council structure: There are dedicated groups for solopreneurs, small businesses, and women in business, so you’re not automatically rubbing elbows with IBM and Mastercard at every event. Over 100 inperson and virtual events and programs per year means plenty of opportunities to show up and be seen. An introductory membership tier is designed specifically for sole proprietors and businesses with seven or fewer employees, and includes a complimentary subscription to 914INC. The Business Basic fee is $450 and includes an online company listing, access to Member News on the BCW site, invitations to exclusive events, and more. Contact the BCW for current individual and introductory rates.
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The AI Tool Your Competitors Are Already Using
Reclaim Your Sanity
If constant meetings are maxing out your mental bandwidth, give Reclaim.ai a try. Your weary brain will thank you.
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A
sk most small business owners where their time goes, and they’ll tell you the same thing: meetings. But the more insidious problem isn’t the meetings themselves—it’s everything that gets squeezed out by them. The proposal that didn’t get written. The deep‑focus work that kept getting bumped. The lunch break that hasn’t happened since 2022. Reclaim.ai was built specifically to remedy this problem. Reclaim is an AI‑powered scheduling tool that connects to your Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook and quietly goes to work defending your time. Not by blocking your calendar manually— that’s the old way—but by learning your priorities and automatically protecting space for the work that actually matters, then moving things around as your week changes. Here’s how it works in practice:
Instead of a chain of “Does Tuesday at 2 work?” emails, you share a scheduling link that reflects your real‑time availability across all your calendars.
You tell Reclaim what you need: a target number of focus hours per week, a daily lunch break, buffer time between back‑to‑back calls, a recurring block to tackle email. The AI then finds the best spots for all of it, slotting them in as flexible holds that appear as free time when your calendar is light and firming up as your week fills. When a meeting gets booked over a protected block, Reclaim automatically reschedules that time rather than just letting it disappear. Many users report reclaiming several hours each week through smarter AI scheduling. The tool’s Smart Meetings feature handles internal scheduling without all the back‑and‑forth. Instead of a chain of, “Does Tuesday at 2 work?” emails, you share a scheduling link that reflects your real‑time availability across all your calendars, both personal and professional, and Reclaim finds a time that
works for everyone involved, then automatically updates it as the inevitable conflicts arise. For business owners who also manage tasks in tools like Asana, Todoist, or Jira, Reclaim integrates directly, pulling your task list into your calendar and scheduling items by priority and due date, so your most important work gets time on the calendar, instead of living indefinitely on a to‑do list that never quite gets done. The tool also handles travel and time zone adjustments automatically. Define a travel period and Reclaim shifts your habits, tasks, and meetings to the new time zone for the duration, then reverts everything when you’re back home without manual intervention. For anyone splitting time between clients or offices in different time zones, that capability alone can feel like a superpower. A few caveats worth knowing: Reclaim works best for people whose days are primarily calendar‑driven; it’s less useful if most of your work happens outside a meeting or task structure. There’s currently no native mobile app, which can be a limitation if you manage your schedule primarily from your phone, though you can use it via a mobile‑friendly web interface. And while Outlook support is available, some users report minor limitations compared with the more mature Google Calendar experience. In terms of pricing, Reclaim offers a free Lite plan with no expiration— no credit card required—that includes core features for individual users. Reasonably-priced paid plans make it one of the more affordable AI productivity tools on the market relative to the amount of time it can help you win back. If you end most weeks feeling like you were busy but didn’t accomplish what you needed to, Reclaim could be a smart solution. Time is the one resource no local business owner can buy more of, but this comes surprisingly close. Reclaim.ai | reclaim.ai | Free Lite plan with basic features available; paid plans from $10/user/month WESTCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
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Your Google Business Profile Is Free. Are You Actually Using It?
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f you’ve ever Googled a local business and seen the box that pops up—the one with the hours, photos, reviews, and a map—that’s a Google Business Profile. And if you own a business in Westchester, you very likely have one. The question is whether you’ve claimed it, fully optimized it, and are using it actively…or letting it sit there half-finished. A Google Business Profile is one of the highest-ROI marketing tools available to local small businesses, and it costs nothing. Make sure yours is in tip-top shape. CLAIM AND COMPLETE YOUR PROFILE FIRST Go to business.google.com and search for your business. If it’s already listed, which it likely is, since Google auto-generates listings from public data, claim 54
it. If not, create it. Either way, the first priority is to fill out every single field: business name, category, address, phone number, website, hours, and a thorough business description loaded with the words your customers would be likely to actually search. Incomplete profiles are at a disadvantage; Google strongly encourages and appears to reward completeness. One key detail most owners miss: Your primary business category carries enormous weight in local search. Choose it carefully, not just based on what your business is, but what people are searching for when they need you. For example, a Westchester interior designer who categorizes herself as “interior designer” instead of a more specific interior design category may be leaving search traffic on the table.
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If not, you really might want to get on that—a clearly written, well-maintained profile allows businesses to appear in local searches, which is crucial for online engagement and reaching nearby customers.
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just don’t think to do it unprompted. That’s your cue to make the process quick and easy. Responding to reviews matters as much as collecting them. Reply to every one, positive and negative. Thank people by name when you can. For negative comments, respond calmly, take accountability where appropriate, and politely offer to resolve the issue offline. Google encourages owners to engage, and prospective customers read how you handle criticism just as closely as they read the reviews themselves.
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To help customers find your business on Maps and Search, add your correct address to your Business Profile. You can also pin your location on the map for a visual reference.
REVIEWS ARE ONE OF YOUR MOST POWERFUL RANKING SIGNALS Google’s local search algorithm is heavily influenced by reviews—not just the star rating, but the volume and recency (meaning how recent they are). A business with 75 reviews and a 4.3 average will almost always outrank a competitor with 12 reviews and a 4.8 average. Recency matters as well: A steady stream of recent reviews signals an active, relevant business. The most effective way to get more reviews from customers is simply to ask for them, and yes, you can do so without seeming pushy. After any positive customer interaction, send a brief follow-up email or text with a direct link to your Google review page. Most satisfied customers are happy to leave a positive review; they
POSTS: THE FEATURE ALMOST NOBODY USES Inside your Google Business Profile dashboard, there is a Posts feature that lets you publish updates directly to your listing: announcements, promotions, events, new products, seasonal offers. These posts appear on your profile in search results and on Google Maps, and they’re completely free. Many Westchester small businesses have never published a single post. That presents a huge opportunity. A restaurant that posts its weekly specials, a boutique that announces new arrivals, a service business that shares a seasonal promotion—all of it shows up for anyone searching for that business or that category nearby. Posts are time‑sensitive and don’t stay prominently visible forever, so a monthly or biweekly cadence keeps the profile looking active and current, which Google also rewards. PHOTOS: MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED Profiles with relevant photos tend to receive significantly more clicks and direction requests than those without. Add real photos: your space, your team in action, your product, your work. Challenge yourself to add more images than you think are necessary. Regular photo updates are widely believed to help attract potential customers, and they clearly make your profile more compelling at a glance. If you have a smartphone, you already have everything you need. Take advantage of natural light when possible and lean into the many user-friendly built-in editing tools at your fingertips. (Need a tutorial? Ask any teen.) It’s amazing what you can do to level up an image just by applying an interesting filter, slightly re-cropping, or adding text. HOW TO KNOW IF WHAT YOU’RE DOING IS WORKING Your Google Business Profile dashboard includes a performance tab showing how many people found your profile, what they searched to get there, and how many clicked for directions, called your number, or visited your website. Check it monthly. If your profile views are low, revisit your category and description. If views are high but clicks are low, your photos and reviews may need attention to boost interest. Many of your competitors haven’t touched their Google Business Profile since they claimed it. In a county of nearly 50,000 businesses all competing for local search visibility, that’s an opening worth taking. Get started: business.google.com | Free WESTCHESTERMAGAZINE.COM
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WO R K F O R C E D E V E LO P M E N T G U I D E
PRESENTING SPONSORS
CREATING
A WINNING
TALENT
PIPELINE
IN WESTCHESTER Business
Education
Training Partners
Job Seekers
Aligning education and training to meet business needs Creating clear pathways from classroom to career Driving partnerships that help employers recruit and retain talent Delivering practical resources that support smarter hiring Get connected: Jill Gettinger at jgettinger@westchester.org Westchester County Association 914.948.6444 westchester.org
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d C l i areers u B e W
We Build Everything
“ ocially “S l responsible building and employ ly o ment practices that oy empower and enhance fa f milies and communities.” Construction Industry Council
John T. Cooney, Jr.
of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc.
CIC Executive Director
Building Contractors Association of Westchester & The Mid-Hudson, Inc.
Construction Advancement Institute of Westchester & Mid-Hudson, Inc.
Matthew Pepe BCA Executive Director
Ross J. Pepe CAI Executive Director
629 Old White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591 - 914.631.6070 - cicbca.org
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CONTENTS
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GUIDE Life Sciences Technology & Artificial Intelligence Transportation & Logistics
4
WELCOME LETTER
6
PART 2: GETTING A JOB
Get Help with College, Career Access Connect with Employers Iona University: Building Career Skills
PART 1: CHOOSING A CAREER
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Advanced Manufacturing
12
Clean Energy & Sustainability
18
Construction
24
Healthcare
36
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RESOURCES
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On the cover: Jonathan Valdovinos, a first-year union apprentice with Carpenters Local 279, works for Kiewit Infrastructure Co. on the $78 million project to repair and replace the steel superstructure bridge to Glen Island in New Rochelle, NY. Westchester County Department of Public Works Associate Engineer Susie Ghabour, PE, surveys progress on the infrastructure renewal project as it nears completion ahead of schedule. Learn more about the project at publicworks.westchestercountyny.gov/glen-island-approach-bridge-rehabilitation.
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Cover photo by Alex Acaro for Westchester County
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Introduction
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HUDSON VALLEY’S JOBS IN DEMAND
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Finish What You Started. Advance What Comes Next. Introducing the Bachelor of Technology in Production & Operations Management An online degree completion program from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) —built for working professionals ready to move forward without stepping away.
THE REALITY
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WHAT YOU GAIN
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WELCOME
Dear Readers,
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f you’re looking for your next opportunity, there is no better place to build your future than right here in Westchester County.
© Courtesy of Kenneth W. Jenkins’ Office
Our community is home to hundreds of thriving companies — from innovative startups to global employers — and a workforce of more than 500,000 talented business professionals. At the Westchester County Office of Economic Development, we are focused on one goal: connecting people with meaningful careers and helping businesses grow with local talent. Across the county, new doors are opening every single day. Element 46, our technology startup accelerator, is stronger than ever, with participating companies raising nearly $80 million in investment and creating exciting opportunities in the region’s fast-growing tech sector. Our Westchester County Biosciences Accelerator continues to attract groundbreaking startups, generating more than $33 million in funding and new jobs in the healthcare and life sciences industries. Advanced manufacturing is also on the rise. Through our new Advanced Manufacturing Accelerator Program, we’re helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into products and expand production — strengthening a sector that offers high-quality, skilled jobs right here in the Mid-Hudson Valley. In Westchester, we believe opportunity should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion through workforce training programs, job fairs, and partnerships that support minority and women-owned businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and disadvantaged enterprises. Healthcare is still one of our fastest-growing fields, and we are proud to support residents who want to enter this vital industry. Through our Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program, offered in partnership with the Westchester County Association, SUNY Westchester Community College, and SWBOCES, hundreds of residents have trained for in-demand careers as certified nursing assistants, medical assistants, and administrative professionals. Whether you’re just starting out, changing career paths, or looking to grow, Westchester County is here to ensure your success. Explore this guide, and take the next step. Your future could be closer than you think. Sincerely,
Kenneth W. Jenkins Westchester County Executive
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Helping Employers & Job Seekers Get Connected 3 Ways We Help Job Seekers of all Ages & Experience
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING REIMBURSEMENTS
Free workshops on a wide variety of topics. RESUME, INTERVIEWING, COMPUTER SKILLS, FINANCIAL LITERACY & MORE!
Local Job Fairs— In-person & Virtual. JOB SEEKERS CAN MEET MULTIPLE EMPLOYERS FACE TO FACE.
VIRTUAL AND ON-SITE CAREER FAIRS
3 Ways We Help Employers Subsidized Sector-Specific Training
STACKABLE CREDENTIALS BUILD TOWARDS HIGH PAYING CAREER PATHS!
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1. We Connect Employers to Qualified Candidates through the Virtual Career Center, which utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) to filter and match candidates who fit the skills & credentials needed for your job posting. 2. Recruitment/Hiring Events: Our team organizes local and regional career fairs to help employers connect with motivated job seekers. The team handles all the logistics, including securing the venue, staffing, and outreach. 3. Subsidized Training & Hiring Incentives: Defray the cost of training new hires and/or current employees by tapping into one of our government funded programs to close a skills gap for a new employee or upskill existing employees. Also available are “Work Tryouts” where you can try out a pre-screened Scan to learn more candidate for 6-8 weeks at no cost to you. White Plains Career Center
Carmel Career Center
Mount Vernon Career Center
Peekskill Career Center
120 Bloomingdale Rd. White Plains, NY 10605 (914) 995-3910
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CAREERS BY THE NUMBERS
These Are the Hudson Valley’s Jobs in Demand The New York State Department of Labor gathers data to determine which careers offer job seekers the best chance of becoming employed. The department’s list of “jobs in demand” takes into consideration historical hiring activity, current job openings, and the department analysts’ best judgment on future growth.
Scan to see the full list.
Here’s a closer look at five jobs on the “jobs in demand list” for the Hudson Valley. Projected growth in the Hudson Valley (2022-2032): 6.7% Entry-level pay: $48,974 Median pay: $63,769
REGISTERED NURSES What do they do? Provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions. Required education: Postsecondary non-degree award Projected growth in the Hudson Valley (2022-2032): 21.5% Entry-level pay: $75,768 Median pay: $94,879
ELECTRICIANS What do they do? Install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems. Required education: High school diploma or equivalent Projected growth in the Hudson Valley (2022-2032): 9.8% Entry-level pay: $50,700 Median pay: $72,497
EDUCATIONAL, GUIDANCE, AND CAREER COUNSELORS AND ADVISORS What do they do? Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services. Required education: Master’s degree Projected growth in the Hudson Valley (2022-2032): 20.1% Entry-level pay: $50,268 Median pay: $62,984
BUS AND TRUCK MECHANICS AND DIESEL ENGINE SPECIALISTS What do they do? Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines. Required education: High school diploma or equivalent
What’s an Opportunity Occupation? An “opportunity occupation” is a job that meets these basic requirements: • Typically requires less than a bachelor’s degree for entry • Pays above the annual median wage for the area • Is projected to see growth between 2022 and 2032 What Do Opportunity Occupations Pay? In New York State, the annual median wage across all opportunity occupations is $70,625, which is 30.1% higher than the annual median wage for all occupations ($54,276).
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Where Are the Opportunity Occupations? There are 65 distinct opportunity occupations involved in the most successful transitions for job seekers in New York State. Here are the five occupations that have the most jobs: • First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers: 105,800 • Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products: 71,830 • Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers: 65,890 • Carpenters: 60,180 • Police & Sheriff Patrol Officers: 60,080 Scan here to read the full report. Scan here for data on projected job growth and salaries broken down by occupation and region.
© All Images by Adobe Stock
OPPORTUNITY IS CALLING There are so many career paths in Westchester County and beyond — but which one has the greatest potential for growth and good earnings? The New York Department of Labor has some ideas for you in its annual Opportunity Occupations in New York State report.
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS What do they do? Create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. Required education: Bachelor’s degree Projected growth in the Hudson Valley (2022-2032): 3.1% Entry-level pay: $49,134 Median pay: $61,089
FROM EMERGENCY ROOM TO OPERATING ROOM TO HOME THE SAME DAY. THAT’S EXCEPTIONAL. At 4 a.m., Keith’s pain became so unbearable that he went to the White Plains Hospital emergency room. Dr. Andrew Casden, Chief of Orthopedics, determined his leg pain was caused by a severely compressed spinal nerve and operated immediately. Keith returned home pain-free that same day—on his way to a full recovery and back onto the tennis courts he loves.
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Scan or visit wphospital.org/stories to learn more. Or call 914-WPH-BONE to make an appointment
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SKILLS 2026
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CLEAN ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY
CONSTRUCTION
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hether you’re starting your career, changing careers, or looking for new opportunities, Westchester is the perfect place to do it. Thanks to its proximity to New York City, Westchester is an attractive place for employers in many industries to locate and grow. Sectors like construction, clean energy, life sciences, and healthcare are particularly fast-growing in the area. They are looking for skilled workers to fill a broad range of job openings, and trainings to get the right skills are available. In the pages that follow, learn what kinds of jobs are set to grow in Westchester and the rest of the Hudson Valley, how much they pay, and where you can get the skills you need to do them.
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HEALTHCARE
LIFE SCIENCES
TECHNOLOGY & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS
G A CAREER AI
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CONSTRUCTION CAREER DAY
SPONSORED CONTENT
Finding Joy in This Job: Mount Vernon High School student Kyhiem Massaquoi received instruction from Laborers Local 60 training instructor Jeff Black, left, and Local 60 organizer Dwayne Farquharson, with the confined-space tripod — actual equipment used in Laborers Local 60’s confined-space training class offered at the union’s apprenticeship training center in Brewster, NY. Some 700 students attend the annual Hudson Valley Construction Career Day, held at Rockland Community College.
© George Drapeau III
The Chance to Learn New Skills
© Ed Cody
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very spring, some 700 high school students put on hard hats — looking like construction workers — to learn and even try their own hand at building trade activities. For nearly six hours, students meet with apprenticeship instructors and watch demonstrations showing them what it’s like to weld pipe, operate a construction crane, lay brick and concrete block, paint walls, and sit behind the simulated wheel of a heavy construction dump truck. The 25th Annual Hudson Valley Construction Career Day in late March, held at Rockland Community College Field House, is designed to reinvigorate the industry’s labor force with young talent by introducing them to entry-level jobs. Introducing these teenagers from the Lower Hudson Valley — the workers of tomorrow — to the variety of job opportunities in the building professions can set in motion the plans for jobs and careers after they leave high school. The building and construction trades are clamoring for new recruits to meet the need for trained and skilled labor in
The Jobs of Tomorrow: Apprentice instructors introduced students to a future of new technology, requiring technical training and advanced skills as the building trades evolve from blue-collar to “new-collar” occupations.
SPONSORED CONTENT
© Ed Cody
industry. Programs follow a “learn-while-you-earn” model, as participants earn wages that are graduated upward as the apprentice accumulates credits and advances to journeyperson status. Parents and their student children are also invited to participate in a special two-hour information session where job outlooks, construction careers training, and job descriptions are discussed. For more information, contact Sharon Regan Masciovecchio of the CIC at 914-631-6070 or sharon@cicnys.org.
© George Drapeau III
“Live” Demonstrations: Various craft union activities, including plumbing, welding, masonry, carpentry, and metal work, were presented at the Hudson Valley Construction Career Day for high school students, staged at the Rockland Community College Field House in Ramapo, NY. The annual trade expo is co-sponsored by the Building Contractors Association of Westchester & The MidHudson Region, Inc., with headquarters in Tarrytown, NY.
© George Drapeau III
this era of post-pandemic expansionism — a growth period underscored by building new data centers, infrastructure rebuilding and replacement, and urban renewal, along with trade jobs needed to help satiate the demand for more housing across the country. Designing and building sports centers and arenas is another growing area for an industry that has seen its rankand-file membership dwindle as crews age out and retire. The Career Day expo relies on sponsorship support of the Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc. (CIC), and the Building Contractors Association of Westchester & The Mid-Hudson Valley, Inc. (BCA). Attendance profiles for this popular event over the years have peaked at 65% minority, with female representation rounding out nearly a quarter of the participants (23%). The 2026 Construction Career Day showcased 15 union locals and nine exhibitors. In addition to the hundreds of students attending from 31 regional high schools, dozens of school chaperones also participated to manage the event. “The demand for skilled labor is increasing, and we’re seeing infrastructure investments at the state and federal levels, so there is clearly a need for these critical skills,” said Matthew Pepe, executive director of the BCA. “Apprenticeships offer young people the opportunity to learn and earn as they prepare for good-paying jobs right in their communities. We’re proud to be a part of this important effort to enhance our workforce, invest in our communities, and strengthen our overall economy.” Registered apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades provide participants with a high-quality and nationally recognized credential that certifies occupational proficiency in the construction
Learning the Tools of the Trade: Plumbers & Steamfitters L.U. 21 of Peekskill, NY, introduced students to essential tools and skills needed for careers in the building trades. Union welding instructor Matt Mangone supervises Courtney Goldsmith as she learns to weld pipe. Courtney is one of hundreds of teens from across the region who explored job opportunities with 18 participating trades that included carpentry, painting, electrical work, and even how to operate heavy construction equipment.
Pride in Craftsmanship: At age 17, Raven Astudillo, then a junior at Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, received pointers in laying concrete block from instructor Chris Brozowski of Bricklayers & Masons Local 1 at the annual Hudson Valley Construction Career Day in Rockland County. Every year since 2000, hundreds of high school students in the region gather to learn about well-paying career opportunities in the building trades.
CHOOSING A CAREER
© Adobe Stock
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING When you think “manufacturing,” legacy industries like steel might be the first thing that comes to mind. But today’s advanced manufacturing industry is much more diverse than that. Its products are used in everything from aerospace to household products, pharmaceuticals, and robotics. About 200 companies in Westchester County are part of this space, and they’re looking for job candidates with the skills to operate and maintain precision machinery, among many other things. Read on for more detail on jobs, trainings, and opportunities in this sector.
3 IMPORTANT JOBS
These jobs pay well and are set to grow between 2022 and 2032 in the Hudson Valley. (Source: NYS Department of Labor)
1- Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Tool Programmers
What do they do? CNC Tool Programmers develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment. Required education: Postsecondary non-degree award Projected growth: 16.7% Entry-level salary: $61,411 Median salary: $76,091
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2- Industrial Machinery Mechanics
What do they do? Industrial machinery mechanics, also called maintenance machinists, keep machines in working order by detecting and correcting errors before the machine or the products it produces are damaged. Required education: High school diploma or equivalent Projected growth: 10.8% Entry-level salary: $55,585 Median salary: $70,463
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
3- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
What do they do? Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join, repair, or cut metal parts and products. Required education: Postsecondary non-degree award Projected growth: 1.3% Entry-level salary: $49,122 Median salary: $61,660
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
GoMakeIt: A Resource for Hudson Valley Manufacturing Careers
Interested in advanced manufacturing, but don’t know where to start? GoMakeIt.org is your guide to high-tech manufacturing careers in the Hudson Valley and beyond.
Explore Listings of Training Programs and Degrees See a list of available training programs, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees. Click on each listing for more information and for a list of local institutions that offer this training or degree.
FEATURES ON THE SITE INCLUDE: Customize Career Choices Based on Your Skills and Preferences Use sliders to teach the site’s algorithm your education level, salary expectations, skills, and other preferences, then review career options that match your choices! Scan to get started.
Links and Resources
Council of Industry On the Council of Industry jobs board, view job listings in advanced manufacturing at every skill level, get information about skills training (including the Council’s manufacturing apprenticeship program), and watch videos about locals who work in the industry.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Westchester County has partnered with RPI to bring convenient, highly relevant education options to local residents. Options include skillbuilding for engineers and other professions relevant to advanced manufacturing.
Find Career Matches Based on Personality Type Are you a solver, a maker, a leader, or an analyzer? Find out which advanced manufacturing careers best suit your personality.
SUNY Westchester Community College Learn more about Certified Production Technician 4.0, an industry-led program that prepares and certifies individuals for career pathways in advanced manufacturing nationwide.
Westchester Catalyst Learn more about the advanced manufacturing sector in Westchester, including key employers and training programs.
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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Machinists, Operators, Engineers: Local Companies Offer Wide Range of Manufacturing Careers
© Courtesy of METCAR
By David Levine
It’s fair to say that there is good news and bad news regarding the state of manufacturing in the lower Hudson Valley. The bad news is obvious: the overall economy is shaky and uncertain, the result of tariff policies, unrest in the Middle East, and political turmoil seemingly everywhere. Employers are understandably reluctant to make bold decisions under these conditions. But the good news is that manufacturers are still manufacturing, and many of them need workers to fill positions. And Westchester County is on firm footing to move forward. “Our manufacturers are still saying that finding and retaining a skilled workforce is what is [inhibiting their] growth,” said Johnnieanne Hansen, CEO of Hudson Valley manufacturers’ association The Council of Industry. “The demand is there. The caveat is they don’t just need warm bodies. They need people who can learn these technical jobs and do them well.” Fortunately, Westchester has a strong network of
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interconnections for industry jobs in general, she said. Businesses, colleges and trade schools, government agencies, and more all work together to foster a productive synergy for workers to find jobs and learn new skills that manufacturers are looking for. In advanced manufacturing, companies are looking for reliable workers with some technical and tactical capabilities, Hansen explained, “meaning you can work with your hands and also have a degree of math skills,” such as measuring and calculating. Many companies have entry-level jobs assisting others in production, assembly, or machining, and there is plenty of room for advancement. “If you have skills from other jobs, if you are an auto mechanic for example, you can learn the skills of machinist or maintenance technician,” she added. “There are many transferable skills in some of these jobs. Once you get your foot in the door, if you continue to learn and contribute, you can grow into a supervisory position. If you are willing to learn, those opportunities will present themselves to hardworking individuals.”
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
Local Companies Are Looking to Hire
© Courtesy of METCAR
METCAR (short for Metalized Carbon), in Ossining, is looking for machinists and computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment operators. METCAR makes products out of carbonized graphite for the aerospace, food, pharma, and other industries. The company employs about 100 people in Ossining, about 10 at a plant in Sullivan County, and more overseas. The jobs require “good problem-solving and analytical skills, along with communication skills,” said Kara Bravo, the company’s human resources manager. No degree is needed, but formal training and experience, along with a basic understanding of machining, does help. Union wages range from $18-$30 an hour. Another example is PTI – Packaging Technologies & Inspection, headquartered in Hawthorne. PTI has engineered and developed seven different inspection technology platforms to ensure containers and packaging work effectively. As an advanced manufacturer, PTI offers roles in most engineering disciplines (controls engineering, mechanical, electrical, etc.) and roles associated with the assembly and manufacture of its systems, said CEO Oliver Stauffer. “As we are in the field of testing and measurement, we do have a significant need for interdisciplinary engineering work and applications-focused professionals. For our applications team, interdisciplinary science and engineering studies are beneficial. For the production setting, having basic assembly and low-voltage electrical knowledge is ideal,” he said. PTI is one of those companies “on hold” because of tariff uncertainty, he said. However, “we are expanding our life-
science services division, which leverages our technologies to create high-quality test data for our clients in the lifesciences space.” He said the company “benefits from dynamic engineers and professionals with interdisciplinary backgrounds. Having a well-rounded understanding of the sciences and basic engineering makes those professionals more attractive.” Other regional advanced manufacturers include: •M icromold, in Yonkers, which makes corrosion-proof piping •S mith & Warren, in White Plains, maker of police, fire, EMS, sheriff, and military badges •T urboFil Packaging Machines, in Mount Vernon, whose machines fill spray containers with medicines and other liquids •G iuliante Machine Tool, in Peekskill, which makes parts for the aerospace industry •Z ierick, in Mount Kisco, maker of electronic components for electric guitars, smoke alarms, and other products un Chemical, in Peekskill, which provides inks and •S pressroom products, color materials, and advanced materials •M otion Labs, in Cortlandt Manor, maker of portable electrical power distribution systems, electric chain hoist control systems, weight monitoring systems, and more.
Getting Trained for Manufacturing Careers
One way to get into the advanced manufacturing field is through an apprenticeship. The Council of Industry leads the New York State Manufacturers Intermediary Apprenticeship Program (NYSMIAP) in the Hudson Valley. It connects manufacturing businesses and potential workers at councilofindustry.org/apprentice-program. Another way is through the new partnership between Westchester County and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). RPI, the nation’s first technological research university, will provide area professionals with access to a top-tier STEM education on demand and help the county meet a strategic initiative to bring high-quality engineering and applied science programs here. (See more on page 44.) Quantum computing, in particular, is a key emerging field, and both RPI and the county have prioritized its growth. In 2023, the county launched the QUANTM Consortium to advance quantum technologies. RPI is the first university globally to host an IBM Quantum System One computer on campus. (See more on page 48.) “In Westchester, you can get anything you need,” Hansen said. “From entry-level to PhD-level jobs, I like to say that no matter where you start, there is a seat for you at the table.”
Opposite page: A robotic CNC (computer numerically controlled) manufacturing unit at Ossining-based METCAR. Left: A carbon ball-joint housing for a lunar vehicle. What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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My Advanced Manufacturing Story Robert Riccio, Engineering and Business Development Manager, METCAR
Manufacturing jobs, even at the entry level, offer clear opportunities for growth and development into more senior positions. Just ask Robert Riccio. His career started in engineering, but he has quickly moved up the ladder into management positions that require as much “people skills” as design expertise. Riccio, the engineering and business development manager at METCAR in Ossining, knew he wanted to be some kind of engineer by the time he was in high school at Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx. “I was always interested in math, science, and problem solving,” said Riccio, 30, who grew up in Croton-on-Hudson. “I knew that was a good direction for me.” He earned a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in Troy, then took a job as quality engineer for a commercial track lighting company in Stony Point. “I would do incoming inspection of raw products to verify they met our standards,” he said. After six months, he moved to a door hardware and lock manufacturer in Stamford, CT, as a sales engineer. “I was basically a tech salesman, oriented on the technical side,” he said. “I worked with customers for custom-designed products. I was the point of contact with the customer to learn what they wanted and then modify our designs to meet their requirements. It was smallproject-based customer service, and I did design and testing.” After two years in that position, he became an applications engineer at METCAR. “I was on the front end, with sales and marketing, as a liaison between customers and internal engineers,” he explained. “I had to be an expert in our products and our customers’ requirements.” He was in that position for three years before getting promoted to his current position about a year ago. “This position is more encompassing,” he said. The company develops new materials for rocket engines in the aerospace
© Courtesy of Robert Riccio
By David Levine
industry. “I manage a small team of three people, and each member has a different function — application, quality, or maintenance engineering. I oversee them on outside projects and internal work.” Riccio, who reverse-commutes from Manhattan, still enjoys the engineering part of his job best, but he now also enjoys interacting with customers. “Coming up with a solution for them, I find it very fulfilling,” he said. His advice to younger engineers is to gain knowledge beyond your field’s requirements. “In school, you do your course work but don’t understand the real world. Looking back now, I would spend more time understanding some basic knowledge and get a more broad-based education, which can help in the real world.”
A career in advanced manufacturing might be right for you if: • You enjoy on-the-job problem solving. • Cutting-edge, evolving technology appeals to you. • You’re comfortable with learning new skills. • A job with both flexibility and focus is important to you. • You seek a career that’s in high demand.
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Some Key Westchester Employers
• Bantam Tools • Magnetic Analysis Corporation • Micromold Products, Inc. • PTI • TurboFil Packaging Machines
BUILD YOUR FUTURE Chart your path in a city that’s pushing forward with new development, new residents and new ideas. Find meaningful, sustainable work in sectors like healthcare, construction, technology and clean energy. Or build your own small business in a community that’s ready for what you’ve got to offer. There’s no limit to what’s possible in New Rochelle, New York.
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CLEAN ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY Clean energy is one of the biggest industries of the future anywhere in the country, including in Westchester. According to industry advocacy group E2, there were nearly 10,000 clean energy jobs in Westchester as of 2024. The inaugural Clean Energy Job and Resource Fair, hosted by Westchester County and Sustainable Westchester in 2024, drew more than 300 job seekers to learn about careers in this growing sector. Jobs in clean energy encompass a variety of other sectors that contribute to making a more sustainable future, including construction, repair and installation, manufacturing, wholesale trade, agriculture, and more. The broader umbrella of sustainability also includes fields like environmental science and forestry. Read on for more detail on jobs, trainings, and opportunities in this sector.
3 IMPORTANT JOBS
These jobs pay well and are set to grow between 2022 and 2032 in the Hudson Valley. (Source: NYS Department of Labor)
1- Solar Photovoltaic Installers
What do they do? Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, set up, and maintain rooftop or other systems that convert sunlight into energy. Required education: High school diploma or equivalent Projected growth: 62.5% Entry-level salary: $43,865 Median salary: $51,297
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2- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers What do they do? Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Required education: Postsecondary non-degree award Projected growth: 10.7% Entry-level salary: $48,113 Median salary: $64,032
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
3- Electricians
What do they do? Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems. Required education: High school diploma or equivalent Projected growth: 9.8% Entry-level salary: $50,700 Median salary: $72,497
© Adobe Stock
© Courtesy of Workforce Development Board
CHOOSING A CAREER
© Courtesy of Workforce Development Board
CLEAN ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY
Q&A: Thom Kleiner, Executive Director, Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board
By Greta Stuckey Q: Clean energy has clearly become a priority in Westchester County. What’s driving the increased focus right now? Kleiner: There are a few big reasons. First, climate change is real, it’s caused by human activity, and it’s not going away. With the federal government largely stepping back from addressing it, states and localities have had to step up. New York State and Westchester County have taken that responsibility seriously. The other major shift is affordability. Until very recently, clean energy options were often more expensive, even if they were better for the environment. That’s changed. The cost lines have crossed, and clean energy is now often more affordable than fossil fuels. That’s huge, and it’s something that hasn’t fully reached public awareness yet. Q: What types of clean energy jobs are seeing the most growth locally? Kleiner: A lot of growth is happening around energy efficiency and weatherization. That includes more traditional roles like HVAC technicians, but also newer areas like heat pump installation, building energy auditors, solar energy, battery storage, and biofuels. These industries are evolving quickly, and those are the areas where demand for workers is going to increase in the near future. Q: Do most clean energy jobs require a four-year degree? Kleiner: Some positions do require more advanced education, but many don’t. Jobs like solar panel installation or heat pump installation can often be accessed through trades, certifications, and targeted training rather than a four-year degree.
Links and Resources
NY NJ Offshore Wind Training Explore career pathways in offshore wind, find training opportunities, and learn about upcoming events that provide more information about this emerging industry. Soulful Synergy This Westchester-based training provider offers classes in transportation electrification for those interested in working in the growing electric vehicle (EV) field.
A priority of the Workforce Development Board is making sure people know where training exists and how it connects to real jobs. We’ve collaborated with The Green Launchpad (thegreenlaunchpad.com), an entity that has established new tools, such as a database of clean energy training providers and clean energy employers that we can use to identify where the jobs are and the training needed to fill them. Q: Why do you see clean energy as a strong career option right now? Kleiner: Climate change isn’t going away, and responsible state and local governments are committed to addressing it. That means sustained investment and long-term job growth. Clean energy is also being shaped by new technologies, including AI, which will create new opportunities we’re only beginning to understand.
New Workforce Program Opens Pathways to Paid Training and Careers A new, multi-year clean energy workforce initiative led by The Healthy Home Academy in partnership with Sustainable Westchester, and supported by the New York Power Authority (NYPA), launched in early 2026 to connect residents of state-designated Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) with paid training and long-term careers in heat pump installation and home performance. The Healthy Home Academy Heat Pump and Home Performance Training Program will recruit, train, and place 123 participants over the next two years, supporting individuals as they move from training into full-time jobs, apprenticeships, or internships in New York’s growing clean energy and building-performance sectors. Scan to learn more.
Southern Westchester BOCES/ Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES BOCES offers career and technical education in a variety of in-demand fields, including HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
Sustainable Westchester This page includes facts about working in clean energy, as well as links to training opportunities and job fairs.
Westchester Catalyst This website links to open positions and training programs in the industry. It also offers career maps for the solar, HVAC, and green buildings subsectors. Willdan Clean Energy Academy Created by training provider Soulful Synergy in partnership with Willdan Energy Solutions, ConEdison, and NYSERDA, this workforce training program serves as an on-ramp for those looking to enter the clean energy field. It also offers upskilling for existing workers.
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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CHOOSING A CAREER
Westchester Embraces Clean Energy With Workforce Training By Alicia Higgins Power Authority and its community-based organization partners to create more holistic career pathways.
© Courtesy of Soulful Synergy
Getting the Skills
Students at a Soulful Synergy class.
Westchester County is taking steps toward a greener future with workforce trainings and developing new coalitions to promote clean energy plans. It takes a village to make changes, and some of these influences are paving the way for advocacy, certification, and education. The clean energy sector continues to grow, and Westchester is a Top 5 county for clean energy employment in New York. According to E2 Clean Jobs NY 2024, there are nearly 10,000 jobs in this sector. Plus, for many, this career path leads to greater job satisfaction. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) 2025 Industry Report states that nearly all (92%) clean energy workers indicate being very or somewhat satisfied with their career compared to 77% for those not working in clean energy. “The most dominant trend we’re seeing is in building decarbonization and energy efficiency, which represents 73% of the state’s total clean energy workforce,” said Angela N. Son, founder of The Green Launchpad. “In Westchester specifically, there is an urgent need for electricians, HVAC technicians, and energy auditors as we accelerate local heat pump and solar transitions. Geothermal and biofuels are relevant for Westchester.” Son founded The Green Launchpad in 2024 to drive market transformation. “I realized that while we had motivated job seekers and eager employers, the ‘bridge’ connecting them was broken,” she shared. “We exist to build that infrastructure — aligning workforce training directly with real-time employer needs to ensure the green economy creates sustainable, long-term value for everyone involved.” In 2026, The Green Launchpad is gearing up to promote its Accelerator for Green Workforce Developers and expand the NYC Energy Efficiency Workforce Coalition. It also plans to launch new collaborative projects with the New York
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What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
Clean green energy can be a vast field of information, with new incentives, programs, and technologies. Specific groups in the area are making an impact on Westchester County community members to help launch their skills and potential opportunities. Soulful Synergy, a workforce development agency that helps promote sustainable communities, is one of those groups. Co-founded by Dwayne R. Norris and Alejandro Alvarez in 2013, it has changed the landscape by helping community members find high-quality jobs and learn curriculum in the clean energy and green construction fields. Originally, Soulful Synergy began offering OSHA and safety training and has evolved to the energy-efficiency space. Services include clean energy and sustainability, consulting services, employment and staffing, and training and certifications. In the clean energy and sustainability sector, participants study clean energy training, green construction, electric vehicles, energy audits, energy retrofits, solar projects, and urban farming. Soulful Synergy’s classes start with a macro level of understanding how all systems work together. Some of the courses focus on weatherization, like installing insulation and weather stripping, as well as HVAC, heat pump maintenance, and light installation. In the electrical classes, students learn the new technology that is emerging with efficient heating and cooling methods. On the construction side, students gain greater understanding of hand and power tools and the installation of clean energy technology. Soulful Synergy has a direct partnership with Willdan Energy Solutions, ConEdison, the NYSERDA, and others that form the Willdan Clean Energy Academy. This training program helps individuals in the clean energy field and folks interested in becoming energy efficiency professionals. Soulful Synergy has trained over 11,000 people since 2013, with employment rates exceeding 75%. Trainings are a mix of hands-on and virtual and range from three to 200 hours. All of the training at Soulful Synergy is directly funded by public and private entities and is free to participants. These programs are accessible to many of the disadvantaged communities in Westchester County and have had a direct impact on promoting training equity. Scan to read a longer version of this story.
CLEAN ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY
My Clean Energy Story Holly Jett, Energy Efficiency Program Manager, Brightcore Energy
For Holly Jett, working in clean energy is about more than a job title. It is about helping communities use energy more responsibly while keeping complex projects running smoothly behind the scenes. As an energy efficiency program manager at Brightcore Energy in Armonk, Jett plays a key role in coordinating the people, processes, and logistics that make the company’s energy efficiency projects possible. She’s been with the company since 2022. “My work touches a bit of everything,” Jett said. “Program administration, project coordination, and supporting clients. It is really about making sure everything stays organized and on track.” A typical day for Jett involves working closely with both internal teams and field staff. She helps develop and maintain the processes and documentation that guide Brightcore’s programs while also managing project logistics such as scheduling, compliance requirements, and data tracking. Much of her role centers on communication. “A lot of my day is balancing the behind-the-scenes operations with making sure clients and internal teams have what they need,” she said. Jett was initially drawn to the clean energy industry because she wanted to work in a field that makes a tangible difference. “I have always been interested in work that has a real, positive impact,” she said. “Helping people use energy more efficiently and contributing to something that benefits both customers and the environment really resonated with me.” Since clean energy technologies and policies continue to evolve, she said the field offers constant opportunities to learn. “There is always something new to understand or a better way to do things,” Jett said. “That keeps the work engaging and meaningful.” Jett said the workplace culture at Brightcore has also played a major role in her job satisfaction. She describes
© Courtesy of Holly Jett
By Greta Stuckey
the company as a supportive environment that allows employees to build confidence and take on more responsibility over time. “The team is collaborative and clear in how we work together,” she said. “That kind of environment makes day-today work manageable and helps you grow professionally.” For people interested in entering the clean energy field, Jett said passion and curiosity often matter more than extensive technical knowledge at the start. She adds that a strong work ethic can also help people get their foot in the door. “You do not need to know everything on day one,” she said. “Having a real interest in sustainability and being willing to learn goes a long way.” Strong communication skills, teamwork, and organization are also essential in roles like hers. “Being able to work well with a team and manage details reliably is really important,” she said. Her advice to aspiring clean energy professionals is simple: Stay curious and focus on building skills over time. “If someone has a good work ethic and wants to grow in a meaningful field, clean energy is a great place to build a career,” Jett said. “Brightcore is also a supportive place to start.”
A career in clean energy might be right for you if: • Keeping up with evolving technology interests you. • You’re adaptable in learning new skills. • You seek a career with long-term growth prospects. • You want to contribute to improving the environment.
Some Key Westchester Employers • Brightcore Energy • Dandelion Energy • Quest Solar • Robison • Sustainable Westchester
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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SPONSORED CONTENT
© Ed Cody
Coming Together to Support Construction Careers
Speakers at the Hudson Valley Construction Career Day at Rockland Community College on March 27, which celebrated the many career opportunities available through union apprenticeship training programs. From left, Tom LeCount of Insulators Local Union 91, Sean Meaney and Dave Ryan of Operating Engineers L.U. 137, Sharon Masciovecchio of CIC, Cody Loniewski of Carpenters L.U. 279, Rachael Adler of the NYS Department of Labor, John Mulgrew of the Office of Sen. Bill Weber, Mary Jane Bertram and Deborah Studnitzer of the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), Noel Serrano of the Office of Dana Lavenberg, Rockland Community President William Mullaney of Rockland Community College, Matt Pepe of the BCA, Michael Dulaney of the Office of Sen. James Skoufis, Debra Thomas of the WDI, NYS Assemblymember Karl Brabenec, Donna Chiapperino of the Office of Congressman Mike Lawler, Assemblymember Matt Slater, NYS Sen. Shelley Mayer, Benito Arellano of Laborers L.U. 235, Beth Cheverie of LiUNA, Joe Tavares of Teamsters L.U. 456, Dwayne Farquharson of Laborers L.U. 60, John Gjokaj of Sheet Metal Workers L.U. 38, and Carlos Gonzalez of Laborers L.U. 60.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Making a Career of It
Profiles of the Industry’s New Generation Researcher and Writer: George Drapeau III
Summary A first-year apprentice and member of Carpenters Union Local 279, Jonathan is learning his trade on the bridge project in New Rochelle, NY, working for Kiewit Infrastructure Co./Eastern District on the $78 million project to replace and repair the steel superstructure span to Glen Island. Seeing a bright future ahead, he said, “Some people go to Glen Island on vacation and for fun. I go there for work. How lucky am I?” Title & Employers Carpenter at Kiewit Infrastructure Co. Recent Project as a Union Carpenter Infrastructure renewal for Westchester County Education, Training & Certifications Westchester Community College with a focus on Criminal Justice. Currently enrolled in the Four-Year Apprenticeship Training Program at Carpenters L.U. 279 in Rock Tavern, NY. Acquired OSHA 30-Hour, 8-Hour Drug/Awareness, FallProtection, Site Safety Training (SST). Plans to complete 4-Hour Scaffold Certification. Graduate of Port Chester High School in 2016 with a concentration in Science. Current Employer “Kiewit is No. 1 in safety and it’s a great work atmosphere. My foreman, Cormaic O’Melia, is a journeyman Carpenter who has shown me so much and given me tasks every day that push me ahead of my schedule for skills development. He’s put trust in me. Every day is different — I’m learning great things that I’ll need for my future.” Favorite Courses or Subjects in School Science and Social Studies Why This Career Choice? “The opportunity presented itself, so I grabbed it and I love it. I never thought about joining a union, and there wasn’t a family member pushing me to join. It just happened.” Biggest Challenges in Your Work “The hardest part is waking up every day, getting out of bed and getting to work. Once you’re there, you know what to do. So, there’s no excuse for not being there. If you want it, you’re going to be there. The rest just falls into place. You’re expecting the same thing and sometimes it is and sometimes it changes. That’s what I love about this job.” Decisive Moment in Your Life “It may have been around the time when, after working for nine years with a previous employer in site development and landscaping, I didn’t see a future there. It was just a cash
© George Drapeau III
JONATHAN VALDOVINOS | AGE: 27
job. I wanted a pension, annuity, and benefits, which I now have through the Union. Once the opportunity to join the Brotherhood presented itself, I took it.” How the Job Fell Into Place “One of my dad’s friends recommended that I go to an information meeting session at Rock Tavern. I signed up and attended. About a year later, I got a call back from the Union and they gave me an interview session, in October 2024. I got a call back in August 2025 and was accepted. I was sent out to work in September 2025 to Glen Island in New Rochelle, where I’m now working. Some people go to Glen Island on vacation and for fun. I go there for work. How lucky am I?” What Do You Enjoy Most About Carpentry? “It’s learning by hands-on experience. Every job I’ve had has always been hands-on and I’m excited about where this is going to go. The bridge project is coming to an end, so I’ll see where it takes me and what doors open next.” Biggest Accomplishments So Far? “Anchor bolts, which I worked on as part of a two-to-threeweek assignment. People told me I’m going to be known for doing anchor bolts, one of the trickiest parts of the job. At the end of the day, they came out great. Also pedestals for the concrete forms — a challenge, but we got it done. That was a huge accomplishment. That’s where I killed it!” What Are the Biggest Surprises Working in the Building Trades? “The number of tools and equipment surprised me. I had no idea how much the job involved. You can never stop learning to be a skilled carpenter.” Most Memorable Quote “Everything happens for a reason.” Any Words of Wisdom for a Young Person Considering the Building Trades? “For now, I’ll borrow what I’ve heard: Make sure you love what you do every day; it will never feel like you’re always working. In carpentry, you can never stop learning. There are always new construction projects, new buildings, new tools, new materials, and new ways of doing things.” Favorite Interests or Hobbies “Golf, tennis, and being with family and friends who live near me in Port Chester.”
CONSTRUCTION Construction is a wide-ranging field that offers opportunities in the trades, engineering, architecture, project management, and so much more — while providing the unique satisfaction of building something that will shape the landscape of Westchester County for decades to come. Then there’s the fact that many jobs in construction pay well and don’t come with the debt of a college degree. There’s a future in construction too: in the Hudson Valley, jobs in the construction trades category are forecast to grow between 2022 and 2032. Read on for more detail on jobs, trainings, and opportunities in this sector.
3 IMPORTANT JOBS
These jobs pay well and are set to grow between 2022 and 2032 in the Hudson Valley. (Source: NYS Department of Labor)
1- Construction Laborers
What do they do? Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks, such as using, supplying, or holding materials or tools and cleaning work areas and equipment on construction sites. Required education: No formal educational credential Projected growth: 6.1% Entry-level salary: $41,172 Median salary: $51,084
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2- Structural Iron and Steel Workers
What do they do? Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form and support buildings, bridges, and roads. Required education: High school diploma or equivalent Projected growth: 5.3% Entry-level salary: $59,156 Median salary: $76,817
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
3- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
What do they do? Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems. Required education: High school diploma or equivalent Projected growth: 5.2% Entry-level salary: $51,224 Median salary: $83,065
© Adobe Stock
CHOOSING A CAREER
Q&A: John Cooney, Executive Director, Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc. (CIC)
By David Levine Q: What is the job market like in construction these days? Cooney: It is growing and will continue to grow, for two reasons. One, there is an increased focus on aging infrastructure. Downstate New York was built a long time ago, so the amount of work needed there is larger. The Department of Transportation, the Port Authority, Con Ed — they are all working on infrastructure. So are smaller municipalities. And two, the baby boomers are retiring, and the cohorts behind them aren’t as large. So, there are many opportunities in construction. Q: What kinds of jobs are available? Cooney: All the construction trades — carpenters, electricians, plumbers, sheet metal workers, masons, teamsters, laborers. People think this is unskilled work. It may start that way, but you can build skills through trade unions. These workers are needed to build new buildings, or it can be in renewal. Con Ed has spent an enormous amount of money replacing old gas lines, and will keep doing so. A village or town has a culvert to replace or a town hall to renovate or water treatment issues. Right now, a local community center gym is being rebuilt. Roads, sewers, bridges — there is a lot of state and federal money available for this work, and over the next couple of years we will be at the peak of spending for that money. Q: How can prospects get local training for these jobs? Cooney: Through the unions. They have apprenticeships or training programs (see page 30 for a list), and the great
Links and Resources
Construction Industry Council/ Building Contractors Association of Westchester & the Hudson Valley This organization compiles information about apprenticeship training programs sponsored by local unions (see cicbca. org/union-apprenticeship-trainingprograms) and hosts regular events to help students become familiar with the building trades, such as the annual Hudson Valley Construction Career Day.
© Adobe Stock
© Courtesy of CIC
CONSTRUCTION
thing is you can earn good money while you’re training. People can contact the union directly or through us at the CIC. We also encourage people to get broad exposure to the trades. Look around, attend career days and fairs and meet with the representatives. Q: Who would be a good prospect for these jobs? Cooney: Anyone who is looking to upgrade their standard of living and pay. All these jobs pay working wages with full benefits and other supports. Trades are the next best place to be, other than college, to better their economic outlook. It’s also someone who takes pride in saying, “I was part of building that.” They like working with their hands and are motivated by the feeling, “Look at what I helped do.”
Southern Westchester BOCES/ Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES In addition to offering career and technical education to students, BOCES also provides trainings to help adults enter the construction trades.
SUNY Westchester Community College Westchester County’s community college offers certification programs in fields such as HVAC and metalworking, while also offering a degree program in civil technology. The degree program teaches skills such as construction methods, estimating, project management, building codes, and highway theory and design.
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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CHOOSING A CAREER
Insulators Local 91: Making a Difference in Conservation
Westchester-based Insulators Local 91 been around for nearly a century, but a recent bill signed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul made the union that much more critical. In September 2025, Hochul signed Bill S2457B/A3999B into law to create the Mechanical Insulation Energy Savings Program. The program establishes grants for schools, public hospitals, and other public subdivisions to cover 100% of the costs of mechanical insulation upgrades. It’s intended to improve energy efficiency in large public buildings across the state. That project requires a lot of hands-on help, which is where Insulators Local 91 comes into play. In fact, it means that the union will even be onboarding additional apprentices in the upcoming year. “We’re very excited about this legislation,” said Thomas LeCount, business manager of Local Union 91. “Other states have tried, we’ve tried here in the state of New York in the past, and we haven’t been successful until this year. For a trade that doesn’t have as many resources as the larger ones, we’re pretty proud of it.”
A Vital, Overlooked Trade
This trade isn’t as well-known as the others, like plumbing, heating, or electrical. “We are a specialty trade,” said LeCount. But the work is important, now more than ever. Union members are trained to properly and safely install insulation on mechanical and plumbing systems in residential and commercial buildings, as well as various types of industrial facilities throughout its jurisdiction. By reducing the amount of energy needed to operate these systems, insulation is vital to construction, maintenance and efficient operation of these facilities. The union’s members have worked on power plants, hospitals, schools, shopping malls, office buildings, medical research centers, residential projects, high rises, and more. The apprenticeship program is four years, with 85 people in the program and five more who were recently recruited. That is also very different from other trades, where there are larger apprenticeship classes. Even so, LeCount sees that as a benefit. “We’re a small trade, but when you can get to know all the other members, it’s a good experience,” shared LeCount. “In the end, you’re more accountable in our trade than in others, because everyone knows everyone.” The mechanical insulation industry includes a wide variety of construction and maintenance applications.
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What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
© Adobe Stock
By Cloey Callahan
Mechanical insulation applications are performed on almost every kind of building. This apprenticeship program ensures that its members are trained in all of the latest advances in thermal application to hot and cold mechanical systems. In addition to advances in applications, the program offers safety training to ensure that the union provides the highest-skilled, safest workforce in the region.
The Fight for Energy Conservation
For over 95 years, these union members have fought for fair wages, benefits, and good working conditions for all. These individuals were at the forefront of the battle to end the production of asbestos in this country and regulate its use. All of this has been done while aiming to ensure the highest quality of workmanship in the industry. And now, the union’s most recent fight has proven meaningful with the creation of the Mechanical Insulation Energy Savings Program. For that to come to fruition, the union worked with NYSERDA, hired a lobbyist, and built an energy audit program. “You can measure how much energy is lost by the lack of insulation,” explained LeCount. “Once you figure out how much energy is lost, you can put a price on it. You can figure out how much you save by putting insulation on a pipe.” Nearly 80,000 buildings in New York State qualify for upgrades. For 2026, $5 million is put aside for the program. Above all, LeCount said he’s excited about the work that is coming to the region in the next year or two. The union is working on White Plains Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, and a psychiatric center in Goshen. As the work continues to come in, the union has doubled down with recruitment for the apprenticeship program, including attending local job fairs and helping reframe the importance of this specialty trade that is often overlooked. “You’re not signing up for a job; you’re signing up for a career,” said LeCount. To learn more about Insulators Local Union 91 and the work it’s doing to support energy conservation, visit insulators91.com.
CONSTRUCTION
Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 21: A Trade with Major Career-Growth Potential By Cloey Callahan
© Adobe Stock
For those interested in blue-collar work, there are a lot of choices within the construction industry. One of those choices is plumbing and steamfitting. But it’s much more than just that. In Westchester, for instance, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 21 is a craft union that tackles a variety of tasks: installation, service, estimation, computer-aided drafting, supervision, and management. Headquartered in Peekskill, UA Local 21 dates back to 1997; however, it’s made up of seven local unions that over the last 100 years consolidated to form this union. Today, it has around 1,100 members.
Inside the Union
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The plumbers and steamfitters workforce takes pride in partnering with contractors to deliver sophisticated piping systems to the end user, ultimately providing a benefit to the community at large. For example, it consistently works with medical providers in the Hudson Valley to build or expand existing facilities. The complicated medical gas installations are a vital piece of life-saving equipment, along with equally important commodities such as steam systems, potable water systems, and comfort piping systems — all necessary to support the facilities that ensure public safety. Between industrial, commercial, and residential construction, this union is busy. That’s why, year over year, it recruits more members with its apprenticeship program. As a part of the United Association (UA), it trains people to become the most highly qualified workers in the United States and Canada. The UA spends over $100 million annually on training programs, involving over 350,000 journeymen and apprentices in over 400 local training facilities at any given time. Local 21 is a part of that puzzle. Recruitment happens once a year, usually around June, and sees a consistent
group of about 30 individuals. The five-year program prepares individuals for a path toward journeyman training and certification with continuing education opportunities. “It’s for anyone who enjoys hands-on physical work and solving technical problems, and is detail-oriented and safety-conscious,” said Mike Sweeney, training coordinator at UA Local 21. “Rather than going the route of college, you can consider steamfitting and HVAC, where the apprenticeship doesn’t cost anything.” The program provides an opportunity for trainees to learn technical skills like blueprint reading, isometric drawings, fabrication, welding, and other hard skills. At the same time, they learn soft skills, which are increasingly important assets today. Those include customer service, communication, troubleshooting, and estimations. The training has been so successful that apprentices from UA Local 21 have found themselves competing on regional and national levels, where top apprentices in plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC, welding, and sprinkler fitting are showcased. That includes the New York State Pipe Trades Contest held right in Peekskill at UA Local 21, drawing all of the United Pipefitting locals. After that, winners go to a regional contest held in Connecticut before moving on to the national level. Two apprentices in 2025 and 2024 traveled to Michigan for the International Apprentice Contest.
Growth Potential in the Field
Sweeney noted that there is significant projected growth in this job market over the next decade, specifically alongside the growth in the semiconductor and nuclear industries. Careers in this field cover a range of hands-on jobs that keep buildings and industrial facilities running safely. Pipefitters and steamfitters work with the pipes that carry hot water, steam, chemicals, medical gases, and other materials in hospitals, factories, power plants, schools, and large commercial buildings. They read blueprints, measure and cut pipe, weld pieces together, and install complex systems that have to meet strict safety standards. People who enter this trade often start by helping build or repair these systems on job sites. Over time, they can move into roles like welder, HVAC technician, foreman, estimator, project manager, or instructor. Many also choose to specialize in areas such as medical gas installation, which is critical in healthcare facilities. “This route has upward mobility, with plenty of options through different disciplines and subject matter,” Sweeney said. To learn more about Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 21, visit the organization’s website at local21union.com. What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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My Construction Story Will Ruiz, Council Representative, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
Will Ruiz was never destined for a desk job. At just nine months old, growing up in Mt. Kisco, he got up and started walking. He took that as a sign that he would be more content moving around. “I guess I was never the one to sit still,” he said. Learning a trade was more to his liking. Years ago, Ruiz was working as a manager of a fastfood restaurant. His roommate, a foreman at a high-end residential contracting company, thought Ruiz would make an excellent carpenter. “I fell in love with it,” he said. He worked for the company doing carpentry, roofing, and installations for almost three years. When he turned 27, with a wife and the first of his three children on the way, he was at a family barbecue when his uncle pulled him aside to have “a grown-up conversation.” The uncle, along with Ruiz’s father, were both union tradesmen. Ruiz didn’t really understand what the union was or did, until his uncle set him straight. “He said, ‘You’re a man, you need to provide for your family, and the union is one of the few ways to do it immediately,’” by securing better wages, health insurance, and other benefits. “My uncle showed me the light.” Ruiz joined Carpenters Local Union 279 as an apprentice in 2018. His first stop as a journeyman was with Penlyn Construction, in Congers. “They took me under their wing and were very supportive and helpful — the best employer I ever had. They gave me opportunities I never had before,” he said. His first project with Penlyn was working on the White Plains Train Station renovation. “We made our deadline working seven days a week, 10 hours a day. It was fun, hard, a challenge for myself and our crew.” Ruiz and his team had the honor of signing the final ceiling board installed at the renovation. “That was a thrill, and it still is when I see it. ‘Cedar for the Ceiling’ — all signed and dated,” he said. Ruiz was also able to get an associate’s degree in
Ruiz and his son Cole
construction management, through a union-sponsored pilot program, during the pandemic. “It was about the time we began my son’s education, and I wanted to prove to him that no matter how old you are, you can learn,” he said. A few years after that, a coworker and friend “put it in my ear” that, with his education, experience, and work ethic, he would make a good union rep. He became a rep with the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters in April 2025. In that position, he organizes workers, stays in contact with developers, secures opportunities to bid on jobs, recruits new members, and even helps non-union workers get paid money they are owed. It’s a full-time job, so he has hung up his tool belt. “Sometimes I miss it, I’m not gonna lie,” he said. But he enjoys the challenges of being a rep, especially in “giving other people the same opportunities that I was presented with by my uncle.” Being bilingual, he also reaches out to Hispanic workers to help people “who never had the opportunity to join a union before.” He now lives in Danbury, CT, with his family, and is “very satisfied where I am at now” in his career. “It’s good to help people when you can,” he said.
A career in construction might be right for you if:
• You enjoy the satisfaction of making things. • You’re a good team player. • You’re detail-oriented and take pride in a job well done. • You want skills that transfer easily to other states or even countries.
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What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
© Courtesy of Will Ruiz
By David Levine
Some Key Westchester Employers
• ECCO III Enterprises, Inc. • KCM Contracting • KINGS Capital Construction • LeChase Construction Services • Yonkers Contracting Co.
INVEST IN YOURSELF. The SUNY Westchester Community College Workforce Development Division provides students with a wide variety of innovative workforce training and certification programs. If your goal is to explore a new career, advance in your current position, or prepare for certification in a new and high-demand field, SUNY WCC’s short-term courses are designed to guide you towards success. We offer many comprehensive, industry recognized training and certificate programs for indemand careers including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and more.
Learn more at sunywcc.edu/workforce-development or call 914-606-6830
Thanks to our partners and sponsors, SUNY WCC is able to offer scholarships and financial assistance for qualified students.
Life benefits and security are more important than ever.
1024 McKinley Street | Peekskill, NY 10566 | 914-737-2166 www.local21union.com Please take two minutes to think about your future. Our Benefits include: Health and Welfare coverage, Pensions, Annuity, Vacation Fund, HRA, Life Insurance and Retiree benefits for life. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills and your experience levels. Think about it.
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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CHOOSING A CAREER
Union Apprenticeship/ Training Programs Contact these unions for more information about local apprenticeships and training opportunities. BOILERMAKERS LOCAL 5 Floral Park, NY 516.326.2500 Thomas Ryan, Bus. Mgr./Sec./Treas. boilermakerslocal5.com BRICKLAYERS & ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS LOCAL 1 Long Island City, NY 718.392.0525 Jack Argila, Pres. bricklayersandallied craftworkerslocal1ny.org CARPENTERS LOCAL 279 Rock Tavern, NY 845.567.1810 William D’Attore, Training Coord. wdattore@nasctf.org carpenterslocalunion279.org DISTRICT COUNCIL 9 OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF PAINTERS AND ALLIED TRADES New York, NY 718.937.7440 Costas “Gus” Diamantis, Dir. gdiamantis@ftiny.org districtcouncil9.net ELECTRICAL WORKERS IBEW LOCAL 3 White Plains, NY 914.946.0472 Daniel Mecca, Dir. dmecca@jibei.com jibei.org ELECTRICAL WORKERS IBEW LOCAL 363 Harriman, NY 845.783.3500 William Edwards, Training Dir. wedwards@ibewlu363.org ibewlu363.org INSULATORS LOCAL 91 Briarcliff Manor, NY 914.788.0500 Thomas LeCount, Bus. Mgr. awl91@insulators.org insulators91.com IRON WORKERS LOCAL 40 STRUCTURAL New York, NY 718.433.4195 Kevin Scally, Dir. info@nycironworkers.org ironworkers40.org
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IRON WORKERS LOCAL 417 Wallkill, NY 845.566.8417 Michael “Doc” Dunn, Pres. docdunn417@gmail.com ironworkers417.org
OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 15D Long Island City, NY 718.835.0400 Patrick Peterson, Training Dir. patrickp@iuoe15.org iuoelocal15.org
IRON WORKERS LOCAL 580 ORNAMENTAL New York, NY 212.734.1224 Richard Falasca, Education Dir. lw580jac@aol.com ironworkers580.org
OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 825 Springfield, NJ 973.671.6900 William Vacarro, VP/Training Dir. wvacarro@825funds.org iuoe825.org
LABORERS LOCAL 17 LECET Newburgh, NY 845.565.2737 Mark Casey, Training Admin. mark@liuna17.com liuna17.com LABORERS LOCAL 60 Hawthorne, NY 914.769.0300 Omar Sanchez, Apprenticeship Coord. osanchez@local60funds.com liunalocal60.com LABORERS LOCAL 235 Elmsford, NY 914.592.3020 Ralph Merritt, Bus. Mgr. rjm@local235.org local235.org LABORERS LOCAL 754 Chestnut Ridge, NY 845.425.5073 Stephen Reich, Bus. Mgr. sreich@local754.com local754.com
PLUMBERS & STEAMFITTERS LOCAL 21 Peekskill, NY 914.737.2166 Michael Sweeney, Coord. msweeney@uanet.org local21union.com PLUMBERS & STEAMFITTERS LOCAL 373 Mountainville, NY 845.534.1050 James Nycz, Coord. j.nycz@ua373.com ua373.com ROOFERS LOCAL 8 Long Island City, NY 718.361.0145 Thaddaeus Judd, Apprentice Instr. thaddaeus@roofers8.org roofers8.org SHEETMETAL WORKERS LOCAL 38 Brewster, NY 845.278.6868 Joe Esposito, Dir. of Training jesposito@smart38.org smart38.org
METALLIC LATHERS LOCAL 46 New York, NY 718.267.7500 learningcenter46@gmail.com ml46.org
TEAMSTERS LOCAL 445 Rock Tavern, NY 845.564.5297 Chuck Connolly, Trainer cconnolly@teamstersunion445.org teamsterslocal445.org
OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 137 Briarcliff Manor, NY 914.739.8259 Dave Ryan, Training Dir. dave@iuoelocal137.com iuoelocal137.com
TEAMSTERS LOCAL 456 Elmsford, NY 914.363.0850 Denise June, Training Dir. denise@teamsterslocal456funds.com teamsterslocal456.com
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
RPI IS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY
© Courtesy of RPI
WHERE LEARNING MEETS THE FUTURE OF WORK
IN APRIL 2025, A NEW CHAPTER BEGAN
FOR WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
© Courtesy of RPI
At County Executive Ken Jenkins’ State of the County address, a bold vision took shape—one that positioned the county not only as a hub of economic vitality, but as a leader in preparing its workforce for what comes next. Joining that moment were Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Martin Schmidt and his leadership team, signaling the launch of a strategic partnership grounded in a shared belief.
Westchester County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins and RPI President Martin A. Schmidt sign an agreement formalizing the new partnership at the 2025 State of the County Address on April 23.
THE FUTURE OF THE REGION DEPENDS ON THE CAPABILITY OF ITS PEOPLE Today, that partnership is actively connecting Westchester County residents and employers to one of the nation’s leading technological universities—bringing applied learning, industry-aligned programs, and workforce innovation directly into the region. At the center of this effort is RPI at Work—a portfolio of programs designed for professionals who are not stepping away from work to learn, but advancing because of it.
LEARNING THAT WORKS— WHEN AND WHERE IT MATTERS MOST INTRODUCING RPI AT WORK PROCOURSES
In a world where technology, markets, and business models evolve faster than ever, the most valuable learning is not theoretical—it’s immediate, applicable, and actionable. That’s exactly what RPI at Work ProCourses deliver. These online, on-demand learning experiences are designed for professionals and organizations navigating real-time challenges—from AI integration and data analytics to leadership, innovation, and operational transformation.
> What makes ProCourses different:
• Start anytime. Learn at your pace • Scenario-based, applied learning tied directly to workplace challenges
• Industry-expert mentors guiding real-world application • Immediate impact—not months later, but during the course itself
• Recognized outcomes, including CEUs, a verified
digital badge, and an RPI Certificate of Completion
This is not passive learning. This is capability-building in motion.
> For Westchester County employers, ProCourses offer a scalable way to:
• Upskill teams quickly • Align learning with strategic priorities • Retain and develop emerging talent
> For professionals, they deliver something even more essential:
the ability to remain relevant—and lead —without stepping away from the work that defines their impact.
A COMPLETE EDUCATIONAL ECOSYSTEM—CONNECTED TO WESTCHESTER COUNTY While RPI at Work brings flexible, work-integrated learning to professionals, RPI’s full-time undergraduate and graduate programs remain a powerful option for those seeking a more traditional path.
> Westchester County is welcomed to explore:
• RPI’s top-ranked undergraduate programs • Advanced graduate study across engineering, science,
business, and technology • A campus experience grounded in innovation, research, and real-world application Whether learning online, at work, or on campus, the goal remains the same: To prepare individuals to solve meaningful problems and contribute at the highest level.
A NEW PATHWAY FOR WESTCHESTER COUNTY RESIDENTS Looking ahead, RPI and Westchester County are developing an exciting new opportunity: the RPI Bachelor’s of Technology in Production and Operations Management undergraduate degree completion program.
> You don’t have to disrupt your income, family life, or career to finish your undergraduate degree.
• Built from employer interviews • Applied, project-based learning • Competency-focused (not just busy coursework)
• Direct alignment with your work Connect with RPI to learn more.
JOIN THE PARTNERSHIP SHAPING WHAT’S NEXT THE RPI + WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARTNERSHIP IS MORE THAN A COLLABORATION—IT IS AN OPEN INVITATION. To employers. To professionals. To residents ready to invest in their future.
© Courtesy of RPI
Learn more. Get involved. Build what’s next.
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© Courtesy of WCA
CHOOSING A CAREER
HEALTHCARE Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing sectors both across the country and in Westchester. Local employers are looking for skilled candidates to fill positions in nursing, administration, health informatics, and many other areas of the sector. In response to this need, local universities and other organizations have stepped up to offer training programs that are low-cost or free of charge. Read on for more detail on jobs, trainings, and opportunities in this sector.
3 IMPORTANT JOBS
These jobs pay well and are set to grow between 2022 and 2032 in the Hudson Valley. (Source: NYS Department of Labor)
1- Nurse Practitioners
What do they do? Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays. May prescribe medication. Required education: Master’s degree Projected growth: 63.2% Entry-level salary: $104,614 Median salary: $132,892
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2- Radiologic and MRI Technologists
What do they do? Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images. Required education: Associate’s degree Projected growth: 30.8% Entry-level salary: $69,060 Median salary: $88,179
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
3- Registered Nurses
What do they do? Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions. Required education: Bachelor’s degree Projected growth: 21.5% Entry-level salary: $75,768 Median salary: $94,879
© Courtesy of WCA
HEALTHCARE
Q & A: Jason Chapin, Director of Workforce Development, Westchester County Association
By Stacey Pfeffer Which jobs are seeing the fastest growth and highest demand for new talent in healthcare? There is a national deficit of healthcare workers projected into 2028, and New York is expected to have a deficit of more than 60,000 healthcare workers in the next two years. Employers are facing a lot of challenges in finding employees and filling positions due to a number of factors — a huge number of baby boomers retiring, people moving out of New York, a declining birth rate, and even federal policy shrinking the immigration pool. These changes are now forcing employers to come up with creative solutions to fill these jobs. Jobs within the nursing field such as registered nurses, nursing assistants, and licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses are anticipated to have a critical shortage in the next few years. Also, clinical laboratory technologists as well as radiologic technologists are in high demand. What do employees do in these jobs? Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians interface with both patients and other medical specialists. They perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging exams and ensure that the patient is positioned properly so that a high-quality image is produced. They often work with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines or X-ray technology as well as mammography. Nursing jobs run the gamut. Certified nursing assistants (CNA) often only require a few months of training. CNAs perform basic care duties such as feeding or bathing patients. At the other end of the spectrum are nurse practitioners (NPs) and registered nurses (RNs), which require a four-year degree.
Links and Resources 1199 SEIU
The Career Pathways Training Program, launched by the 1199 SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF), seeks to address staffing shortages in healthcare across the region. This initiative offers free education, career advancement opportunities, and guaranteed job placement in local healthcare facilities.
What kind of training does it take to do these jobs and where can people get it? Training differs in terms of the duration and the cost for various healthcare positions. It is important for job seekers to figure out the pros and cons of how long it takes to get a degree and how costly it will be. There are more than 20 educational institutions and colleges in Westchester and the surrounding area that offer degrees or certificates for employment in the healthcare field. Healthcare jobs pay well and have good benefits and great career advancement opportunities, so if you get an entry-level position, you’ll have the opportunity to advance and make a significant salary. Many employers also have tuition assistance programs that will pay for advanced training. What surprised you the most about the recent jobseeker report for the healthcare industry in Westchester County that was jointly written by the Westchester County Association and the Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York State? (See link below.) I was surprised that the length of training to obtain a certificate from some positions can be as short as a few months. For example, Northwell Health, the largest provider in New York state, has realized the urgent need to find talent to fill their needs. They started a high school in Queens that just opened last year, training students in nursing, diagnostics, and health careers. In Westchester, we have Mount Vernon High School and Charles E. Gorton High School in Yonkers offering classes where students can get medical or nursing assistant certificates and then graduate and do a short summer-training program so that they can obtain an entrylevel job in the fall. We bring in young professionals from the industry to the high schoolers to show them how they can obtain a job in healthcare, and that the industry offers many opportunities for them. The idea of exposing younger people to the industry is gaining traction here. Opposite page: A certified nursing assistant (CNA) class at SUNY Westchester’s Ossining Extension Center
Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program This program, funded by Westchester County and developed in partnership with Southern Westchester BOCES, The STEM Alliance, SUNY Westchester Community College, and the Westchester-Putnam Career Center Network, trains candidates for in-demand healthcare jobs. Tech training and job readiness training are also available to participants. For more information and to register for the program, contact ossining@sunywcc.edu
or call 914-606-7400. Contact the Westchester-Putnam Career Center Network (914-813-6555) to find out if you are eligible to attend these classes at no cost. Westchester County Association The WCA’s healthcare jobseeker guide provides detailed descriptions of in-demand healthcare occupations, career paths, and a comprehensive list of training providers.
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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My Healthcare Story Lesly Mejia, Certified Medical Assistant, White Plains Hospital Physician Associates
Lesly Mejia went to Binghamton University undecided on which field of study to pursue. A chance decision led her to take biology classes so she could share some courses with her roommate, who was a biology major. It turned out that Mejia loved all of her science-related classes, particularly her anatomy and physiology ones. That course, coupled with a close family member’s diagnosis of stage 4 kidney failure, led her to consider a career in the healthcare field. She graduated in four years with a BS degree in biological sciences this past May. She knew she wanted to ultimately become a physician’s assistant (PA), but Binghamton University did not offer that certification or degree. Many PA schools require patient care experience prior to applying, and being a medical assistant offers an excellent pathway to PA school. As a first step to her PA goal, Mejia enrolled at Westchester Community College as part of the Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program (HTPP), which is an initiative created by the Westchester County Association and funded through the county. Mejia became a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) in four months through the program and was placed this fall at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates in West Harrison. The HTPP program was vital to Mejia’s success, as it offered interview prep, resume help, and also job fairs to meet healthcare employers throughout the county. She has loved her current job from day one, rotating in various departments including neurology, internal medicine, and endocrinology. Her job is a mix of clinical duties such as phlebotomy, EKGs, and taking patient’s vitals, plus administrative tasks such as obtaining prior
© Courtesy of White Plains Hospital
By Stacey Pfeffer
authorization for medication or procedures. “I love connecting the dots with what I learned in my biology classes and expanding my knowledge not just clinically but also practically, such as helping patients access their insurance and overcome any challenges,” said Mejia. Mejia credits a stint working at Burger King in high school with helping her develop a “thick skin” that has come in handy for her current role. “You have to mentally prepare yourself for this job, as you can have very sick patients and are working in a fast-paced environment. The work piles up quickly if you don’t stay on top of it, and it can be important things, such as obtaining medications for a patient quickly. Empathy while multitasking is important in this job,” she added. In the beginning, Mejia was nervous, but she now says the job is very rewarding. No two days are ever alike, and she likes the important role she plays as part of a larger healthcare team.
A career in healthcare might be right for you if:
• You’re strongly motivated by empathy and compassion. • You don’t mind working long and potentially irregular hours. • You’re good at communicating with people and putting them at ease. • You’re motivated to keep yourself healthy, e.g. by exercising regularly and eating well. To care for others, you need to be in good shape yourself. • You can multi-task and have strong problem-solving skills.
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What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
Some Key Westchester Employers
• Empress EMS • Montefiore Health System • Northwell Health • Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) • White Plains Hospital
Inside Westchester Community College’s State-of-the-Art Health Sciences Simulation Center By Greta Stuckey Westchester Community College (SUNY WCC) is raising the bar for healthcare education with the opening of its new Health Sciences Simulation Center for Interprofessional Education, a state-of-the-art simulated hospital designed to prepare students for the realities of modern healthcare. The 2,300-square-foot facility officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in October 2025, marking a major milestone in the college’s longstanding commitment to workforce development in Westchester County. For decades, SUNY WCC has prepared medical professionals who serve the region’s hospitals, clinics, and emergency services. College leaders say the simulation center represents the next evolution of that mission. “Our simulation center transforms how our nursing students will learn,” said Maureen Carman, the nursing department chairperson. “It gives every student access to consistent, high-quality clinical experiences where they can make decisions, learn from mistakes, and build confidence without risk to patients.” The hands-on experience gained in the Simulation Center will now count for up to one-third of required clinical hours for nursing students, as approved by the New York State legislature in May 2023. This milestone not only increases training capacity but also ensures that students are better prepared for scenarios they will see after graduation, Carman said.
A Simulated Hospital, Built for Collaboration
Unlike traditional skills labs, the center mirrors the layout and workflow of an actual hospital. The space includes two large clinical simulation rooms outfitted with high-fidelity manikins positioned on hospital beds. One room is focused on maternal and child health and the other on adult medical, surgical, and geriatric care. A debriefing room allows students and faculty to observe simulations in real time or review recorded scenarios. Prep and storage rooms house more than 2,500 pieces of medical equipment and supplies. Microphones and cameras record every scenario, allowing instructors to guide students through post-simulation critiques. The manikins are capable of mimicking breathing patterns, heart and lung sounds, pulses, and physiological responses to treatment. One manikin is designed to deliver a newborn, allowing students to experience every step of childbirth from labor to newborn assessment. The center brings together students from nursing,
Paramedic and nursing students learn to work together as part of interprofessional education at the WCC Health Sciences Simulation Center.
paramedic studies, respiratory care, and radiologic technology. Having students from several disciplines working in the same space helps reflect how healthcare teams actually function in the field, said Gifford Blagrove, an assistant professor in the paramedic program. “The interdisciplinary simulation center is essential in EMS education as it prepares students to provide timely, accurate, and high-quality emergency medical care,” said Blagrove. “It encourages teamwork with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.”
Addressing Gaps in Clinical Training
The creation of the simulation center was identified as a top institutional priority during the first decade of SUNY WCC President Dr. Belinda Miles’ tenure. As competition for clinical placements has intensified nationwide, simulationbased education has emerged as a solution that allows students to practice essential skills in a controlled and supervised environment. For SUNY WCC students, the center means more consistent access to hands-on training and critical medical scenarios they might not otherwise encounter during limited clinical rotations.
Scan to read the rest of this article. What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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© Adobe Stock
CHOOSING A CAREER
LIFE SCIENCES The life sciences industry in Westchester County comprises academic institutes doing basic research, research and development startups, large manufacturers, and industry experts providing support services. Nonprofit organizations round out the sector, supporting patients and research into diseases and medical conditions ranging from Alzheimer’s and autism to brain injury, cancer, diabetes, leukemia, and more. Regeneron, the state’s biggest life sciences company, is located here, and Westchester’s life sciences employment is higher than any other county in New York State. Read on for more detail on jobs, trainings, and opportunities in this sector.
3 IMPORTANT JOBS
These jobs pay well and are set to grow between 2022 and 2032 in the Hudson Valley. (Source: NYS Department of Labor)
1- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
What do they do? Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Required education: Bachelor’s degree Projected growth: 20.8% Entry-level salary: $46,713 Median salary: $80,092
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2- Medical Scientists
What do they do? Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. Required education: Doctoral or professional degree Projected growth: 16.3% Entry-level salary: $73,442 Median salary: $107,996
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
3- Biochemists and Biophysicists
What do they do? Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes. Required education: Doctoral or professional degree Projected growth: 4.2% Entry-level salary: $60,208 Median salary: $84,762
LIFE SCIENCES
Westchester’s Life Sciences Sector 8,000
Number of life sciences employees in Westchester
- Medical Devices (e.g. Clarapath) -M edical Research Institutes (e.g. Burke Neurological Institute) - Neutraceuticals/Wellness (e.g. RescueMD)
4,000
(approx.) Number of those employees who work for Regeneron
200+
Life sciences employers in Westchester
Key Components of Life Sciences in Westchester:
- Biotech/Pharmaceuticals (e.g. Regeneron) - Digital Health (e.g. Quadrus Medical Technologies) - Drug Development (e.g. Oligomerix)
Links and Resources Iona University
Iona University offers a number of degree programs that can pave the way to life sciences careers, including bachelor’s degrees in biology and biochemistry.
Source: Westchester County Life Sciences Strategic Implementation Plan
Manhattanville University Biomedical sciences and biochemistry are a major focus at Manhattanville, which offers different degree options in these and other related disciplines. Mercy University A Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences is among the life sciences options available at Mercy.
Westchester Catalyst Workforce and economic development in the life sciences is a major focus for Westchester County. Learn more about growth and opportunities in this sector, read a report on Westchester’s life sciences potential, and study an interactive map that shows where life sciences employers are located.
My Life Sciences Story Nicole Mercer Lindsay, Lab Director, Laboratory for the Systems Neuroscience of Pain, Burke Neurological Institute
© Courtesy of Nicole Mercer Lindsay
By Cloey Callahan Nicole Mercer Lindsay’s job is to conduct research on non-addictive treatments for chronic pain. That means understanding how the brain generates pain, and then nailing down how it can be treated, with her research specifically related to using magnets to activate brain tissue. Most of us know someone directly who suffers from chronic pain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that approximately 51.6 million U.S. adults suffer from chronic pain, with that number rising
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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41
CHOOSING A CAREER each year. When Mercer Lindsay’s husband experienced chronic pain, even at an acute level compared to others, it was significant and impactful to his life. That’s when she decided it would be worthwhile to focus her research on an answer for treatment. “I always liked biology,” said Mercer Lindsay about why she chose this field. “My family is very science-centered. My dad was in space shuttle engineering, and it gave me heavy exposure. But I really liked biology and the possibility of medicine when I was younger. I wouldn’t say I knew just yet that I was going to be a researcher.” Mercer Lindsay earned her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Cornell University and later completed a Ph.D. in Neurobiology at the University of California, San Diego. While working toward her Ph.D., she studied how the brain controls movement. She used advanced tools to map brain circuits and control specific brain cells with light. Her research focused on how the motor cortex helps coordinate complex movements of the face and limbs. She discovered that the motor cortex sends signals through separate pathways to different areas in the brainstem, which work together to produce coordinated movements. This helped scientists better understand how the brain organizes and controls movement. After earning her Ph.D., Mercer completed postdoctoral research training at Stanford University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There, she helped develop a small transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device. This device allowed researchers to study how stimulating the motor cortex can provide long-lasting pain relief in research models. Using this device, Mercer discovered that stimulating the motor cortex can reduce pain by activating the brain’s natural opioid system. This creates lasting changes in painprocessing circuits. She also led a research team that mapped where opioid receptors are located in the brainstem, showing how opioids influence not only pain, but also movement and breathing. Together, her research points toward new ways to treat pain that could provide long-lasting relief without the risk of addiction. Her research achievements have been recognized by several awards, including the NIDCR K99/ R00 Pathway to Independence Award, an F32 fellowship,
and selection as a 2023 Rising Star in Engineering in Health by Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, and Columbia University. Mercer Lindsay moved to Westchester to join the faculty at Burke Neurological Institute and Weill Cornell Medicine in 2025. It was an opportunity for her to open her own lab for the very first time. She is now a part of an institute that prides itself on translating groundbreaking research into clinical treatments to repair the brain and spinal cord, helping people walk, talk, see, and remember again. Her current research focuses on uncovering the circuit and molecular mechanisms underlying therapeutics that produce long-lasting pain relief. She aims to improve noninvasive neuromodulatory treatments and clarify the complex interplay between motor circuits and endogenous (internal) opioids in both health and disease. Mercer Lindsay’s appointment represents a significant advancement in the institute’s pain research capabilities for treatment and recovery from neurological injury. “I’ve been focusing on using non-invasive brain stimulation,” said Mercer Lindsay. “There is a way to use magnets to activate brain tissue so you don’t have to go in and implant electrodes like they do for Parkinson’s disease. It works quite well to activate certain parts of the brain to relieve chronic pain broadly, but it’s inconsistent, which is what we are continuing to work on.” When she’s not in her lab conducting research, she’s leaning into what it means to be a Westchester resident. “It’s exciting to be close to the city and go in for things like Broadway shows, but have a little more space and be closer to hiking and the outdoors,” said Mercer Lindsay, who moved from the Bay Area. “It’s been really fun to have four seasons again. It’s a great nexus of location and the institute itself being a really awesome draw because of its focus on neurological disorders.” With the Burke Neurological Institute, a major life sciences employer in Westchester, calling White Plains home, the city attracts a wide range of talent, from animal care technicians to postdoctoral fellows in neuroscience. “It’s a really rewarding career path,” said Mercer Lindsay. “It allows for a great deep dive into certain topics of information. It’s great for people who like doing different kinds of experiments and who can really dig deep into certain questions. It’s a very passionate kind of work.”
A career in life sciences might be right for you if:
• You want to help discover medications that help people cure or manage their conditions. • You’re interested in finding answers to scientific problems. • You’re good with numbers and data. • You’re good at putting people at ease (for certain jobs that require interaction with patients or study subjects).
42 2026 SKILLS
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
Some Key Westchester Employers
• Clarapath • New York Blood Center • Oligomerix • Quadrus Medical Technologies • Regeneron
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CHOOSING A CAREER
A Thriving Partnership Between Westchester County and RPI Benefits Region’s Workforce
© Courtesy of RPI
© Courtesy of RPI
By Cloey Callahan
When students are preparing to graduate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), they wonder what might be next. Where are they going to start their career? The upstate private research university in Troy has a 200-year legacy of world-class engineering education and innovation. For graduates, the world is their oyster. But even with their education from the nation’s first technological research university, it can be hard to navigate the professional working world throughout their careers.
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What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
It’s one of the reasons why the university created RPI at Work — a division founded over 67 years ago to provide graduate and professional education to engineers, scientists, and business leaders. That’s where Westchester County comes into play. Last April, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins announced at the 2025 State of the County Address a new strategic partnership with RPI, expanding access to professional education, talent, and collaborative research opportunities across high-growth STEM sectors, including engineering, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, quantum technologies, life sciences, business, and innovation. It’s a continued investment in the county’s economic growth by developing a highly skilled, innovationdriven workforce.
© Courtesy of Paul Daniele
Partnership Results in Engineering Hires
That work has already proven successful. For example, Westchester-based employer Arcadis hired four people from RPI as a result of a networking event. “My vision is to bring in the best qualified candidates in all aspects of engineering,” said Paul Daniele, senior vice president at Arcadis, who has seen those candidates coming out of RPI. Arcadis is one of the world’s leading companies delivering data-driven sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. The company has more than 250 offices worldwide, one of them in White Plains. With ongoing excitement about the partnership between RPI and Westchester County, Daniele wanted to be one of the early employers to provide opportunities to these students who are looking to settle down in the county. He calls it the “unofficial triple alliance.” “We hope to have a 100% conversion rate from interns to working for us full-time after graduation,” said Daniele. “The pedigree and emotional intelligence that these students have and the critical thinking skills, they’re the full package. Coming from a school like RPI, they can help Arcadis grow into the next generation.” Daniele said it’s as much a benefit for him as it is for the students and the county. Arcadis is always looking to grow into the next generation, including being at the forefront of things like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. “It’s all about the next generation,” he said. With two interns and two full-time employees from
RPI so far, Daniele said Arcadis won’t stop there. RPI had another event with Arcadis in early 2026, where some of the Arcadis staff went to Troy to recruit additional prospective employees. They are also planning another event for this spring, where students will tour Arcadis and see the office environment. When a company like Arcadis is attractive to a new graduate, they are willing to make the move to live and work in that area full-time. “The primary purpose is to attract graduates to work in White Plains, live in White Plains, spur the economy in White Plains,” said Daniele. That might be RPI students who grew up in Westchester and are looking to go back, but it could also be RPI students who are just learning about the county and are excited to be in a booming location with proximity to New York City. Arcadis is just one of several companies that are a part of this project. While Westchester-based companies continue to recruit and retain RPI students, RPI is also offering another benefit: the RPI at Work ProCourses for non-credit professional development, and for-credit graduate courses. Westchester identified the need for the development of an undergraduate completion program as well, which is a program for those who hold an associate’s degree and can move into the degree completion program. “What’s neat about the program is participants earn their undergraduate degree with certificates along the way in things like business and management, problem solving and decision making, and data analytics and visualization, to name a few,” said Blumer. All of this combined — opportunities for RPI, Westchester County, employers, and students — provides new pathways for everyone involved and will continue to for years to come. “The alignment was intentional and forward-thinking,” said Blumer. “Bringing the institute’s strengths together with the vibrancy of Westchester County creates long-term value for employers, learners, and the region as a whole.” Learn more about the partnership and course offerings at westchestercatalyst.com/rpi.
© Adobe Stock
When RPI’s Bonnie Blumer was appointed to her role as director for the RPI and Westchester partnership in January 2026, she first geared her efforts towards coordinating pathways for employers to engage RPI students through internships, co-ops, and applied, project-based experiences. Her role involves ensuring that Westchester employers are plugged into RPI’s career fairs, including one hosted in Westchester County last November: the RPI + Westchester County Career, Learning, & Industry Summit, which had 65 county employers and close to 250 participants in attendance. On an ongoing basis, Blumer meets with county associations and business leaders to ensure they are aware of the RPI at Work professional development programs as well. “When the opportunity presented itself from Westchester County looking to develop and provide STEM education to its residents and its employers with an ecosystem of its own, it made sense that the RPI at Work programs would be made available right out of the gate,” said Blumer. “We have some of the very best credit and non-credit professional development programs in the market.”
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
2026 SKILLS 45
CHOOSING A CAREER
© Adobe Stock
TECHNOLOGY & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Technology in general, and AI in particular, has begun to pervade aspects of every industry. Job seekers trained in tech skills and comfortable with AI will be in high demand for jobs that are set to grow in Westchester and elsewhere. Job opportunities in the tech sector itself begin with positions at IBM’s research headquarters in Yorktown Heights and continue with innovative startups that have passed through the county’s Element 46 accelerator. A recent county push for quantum computing jobs has opened further career paths in the area. Read on for more detail on jobs, trainings, and opportunities in this sector.
3 IMPORTANT JOBS
These jobs pay well and are set to grow between 2022 and 2032 in the Hudson Valley. (Source: NYS Department of Labor)
1- Information Security Analysts
What do they do? Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Required education: Bachelor’s degree Projected growth: 30.6% Entry-level salary: $73,069 Median salary: $104,635
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2- Computer and Information Research Scientists
What do they do? Computer and information research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology. Required education: Master’s degree Projected growth: 25.0% Entry-level salary: $119,873 Median salary: $174,722
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
3- Computer and Information Systems Managers What do they do? Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computerrelated activities in an organization. Computer and information systems managers are employed in many industries. Required education: Bachelor’s degree Projected growth: 17.6% Entry-level salary: $114,880 Median salary: $152,798
AI
TECHNOLOGY & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Need More Info?
Scan the articles below for a deeper dive into aspects of the tech landscape in Westchester.
© Courtesy of SUNY Westchester Community College
Westchester Community College’s Fiber Optics Training Opens Doors
Meet Three Startups Shaping Westchester’s Innovation Ecosystem
In recent years, Westchester County has become home to a growing community of entrepreneurs building companies with national reach. At the center of that momentum is Element 46, a startup accelerator program in Westchester County. The program was created to give local founders access to mentorship, resources, and community without having to leave the county.
© Photos courtesy of EDmotionsAI
When a longtime electrician signed up for SUNY Westchester Community College’s (WCC’s) fiber optics certification program this summer, he was ready for a career shift. He said this course would hopefully help him launch his own fiber installation business specializing in data centers, an industry that is rapidly expanding in the region. Stories like his are becoming more common, said Jim Irvine, WCC’s director of corporate education. “We’ve seen strong interest from people already in the field, but also from those who are pivoting from trades like electrical work,” Irvine explained. “There’s no shortage of demand, and employers want certified technicians.”
These articles first appeared in the monthly Westchester Skill Up! newsletter, which provides information about employment, training, and college opportunities across Westchester and beyond. Scan to subscribe.
Links and Resources Element 46
Learn more about Westchester County’s accelerator program for tech startups.
SUNY Westchester Community College SUNY WCC offers an associate’s degree and certificate in cybersecurity, alongside other tech-focused options.
Westchester Catalyst Get more information about Westchester’s more than 1,000 technology companies.
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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The Next Big Thing: Westchester County Pushes for Growth in Quantum
© Courtesy of RPI
By Cloey Callahan
The Westchester County Office of Economic Development leads many types of programs, from supporting businesses and entrepreneurs to honing in on priority sectors that are important to growth and resilience. One of those priority sectors is quantum computing, which uses the science of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems. Why quantum? McKinsey & Company reports in its 2025 Quantum Technology Monitor report that “surging investment and faster-than-expected innovation could propel the quantum market to $100 billion in a decade.” Here in New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in her 2026 State of the State that a key proposal to fuel innovation and create good-paying jobs will be through investments in quantum technology. “Establishing New York’s leadership in this emerging field also opens the door to significant economic growth,” read her press release. That progress is happening across the state. Long Island is home to the State’s Quantum Research & Innovation Hub at SUNY Stony Brook. Upstate New York is a hub for semiconductor and quantum microchip development. In
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between are places that have their own entrepreneurship in the industry, including here in Westchester County. “We think that we’re perfectly positioned geographically as the bridge between upstate and downstate,” said Deborah Novick, director of entrepreneurship and innovation at Westchester County. Westchester County is home to SEEQC, which stands for Scalable Energy-Efficient Quantum Computing, and IBM in Yorktown Heights, which has dedicated employees focused on quantum. “We have IBM and SEEQC right here in our backyard,” said Novick. “We started to think about how do those two big players, or other important players, fit into the overall growth or birth of quantum technologies around the county and state?”
Employment Opportunities Are Coming
With quantum continuing to grow, Novick said it’s moving from the deep research and development phase into the commercialization phase. That means while right now most jobs related to quantum are for the PhD level, it won’t stay that way for too much longer.
AI
Quantum Work Already Happening in Westchester
While more people are learning about quantum, there are people locally who know it better than anyone else. SEEQC is developing the first digital quantum computing platform for businesses and has a chip foundry. The company spun out of one that was already based in Westchester, and they remained here because they didn’t want to relocate their team. Right in Elmsford, the brand builds, designs, and manufactures chips and conducts testing in its labs. The company is growing in Westchester, building a new facility in Hawthorne that will be four times the size of their existing facility. As they continue to grow, they are looking to attract younger people, which could possibly be done through working with the county. “Most of our growth in our jobs is here,” said John Levy, co-founder and CEO at SEEQC. The company has nine other people at their facility in the UK. “We expect that we’ll be adding more people, both in doing testing in our facilities, testing our chips, as well as some manufacturing jobs.” As of right now, 29 of their 38 people have PhDs. In line with what Novick is seeing, Levy estimated that they’ll bring in more people who have a master’s degree or even a bachelor’s of science degree. SEEQC has also partnered with nearby IBM, which is working to deliver IBM Quantum Starling, a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer, by 2029. This means they will bridge the gap between quantum potential and business reality. Their Westchester office serves as headquarters for IBM’s quantum research mission. What happens between now and 2029 is crucially important. “We don’t want people to just wait until 2029,” said Bradley Holt, who leads workforce development partnerships for IBM Quantum. “We believe we have useful
quantum computing today.” IBM is delivering the tools to achieve near-term quantum advantage by the end of 2026. “Our vision is really CPUs (central processing units), GPUs (graphics processing units), and quantum processors combined together into a unified architecture,” he said. Workforce development is central to IBM’s strategy. Holt leads efforts to connect universities, governments, and workforce professionals to IBM’s education ecosystem, including the software stack Qiskit, open-source tools, summer schools, campus hackathons, and innovation centers. IBM has trained over 400 students through its internship programs and supports institutions such as RPI. Holt emphasized that quantum workforce development spans multiple domains: theory, hardware engineering, algorithms, software, networking, sensing, and technician roles. IBM’s goal is to help regions identify strengths and align training pipelines with industry demand. “I work with workforce development professionals who are asking how they strategize building out their quantum computing workforce and how can we connect them to the many educational resources?” said Holt. “IBM has invested in it and created tools that are really helpful for building that future quantum workforce.” For Westchester County, quantum is not a distant possibility. It is an emerging industry taking shape in real time, and local leaders are working now to ensure the region is ready to power its next phase of growth, including working with IBM and SEEQC.
© Courtesy of IBM
“We’re going to need a lot of people who understand quantum technologies who don’t have PhDs,” she said. “We’re going to need people with different levels of education, different types of skills — hands-on skills, cognitive skills, programming skills, engineering skills, manufacturing skills.” She wants to make sure that Westchester-based employers have the workforce they need when that time comes. For a big part of that, she is looking at the new partnership between the county and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). RPI is home to the first IBM quantum computer at a university. One of the courses that RPI offers for continuing professional development through its RPI at Work program is Introduction to Quantum Computing. (See article on page 44.) Another part of the puzzle that will come down the line is bringing in experts from a wide range of industries to see how quantum could help them in their fields, somewhat similar to how each field had to learn how artificial intelligence could support their work.
TECHNOLOGY & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Previous page: RPI is home to the first IBM quantum computer at a university. Above: IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights. What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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My Tech Story Jeremy Toeman, Senior Vice President of AI Innovation, JWX
© Courtesy of Jeremy Toeman
By Cloey Callahan
When lifelong tech, media, and entertainment entrepreneur Jeremy Toeman found his way to the East Coast, he wondered how he could get involved in the local business scene. “I thought to myself, I want to be a hot Westchester startup, not just a former Silicon Valley guy startup,” said Toeman. “It meant something to me.” When he started going to Koi Creative Space, a coworking hub in White Plains, he began to plant the seeds to build new connections here. It was someone from Koi who first told him about Element 46. Element 46 is a startup accelerator program founded within Westchester County, home to a wealth of successful businesses and entrepreneurs. The program offers a full multi-week virtual curriculum, pitch and networking events for founders, access to a mentor network of investors and successful technology entrepreneurs, corporate and technology partnerships, and cutting-edge technology and business skills. While it is largely designed to help new entrepreneurs catalyze their growth, there is something for everyone. For example, Toeman was in an advanced stage with his company, Augie Studio, compared to the usual participants in the program. Yet he did not doubt that he could benefit from the experience as well. Toeman, a former vice president at WarnerMedia, CVS, and Etsy, had been working on growing Augie Studio, an AI-assisted video creation and editing tool, since he founded it in January 2022. “I like to joke that during the pandemic, I wasn’t very good at sourdough, so I started doing podcasts and looking at how hard video production and creation is for businesses,” said Toeman. Augie Studio raised roughly $1 million of pre-seed capital back in 2022, which came from a combination of high-
net-worth individuals, friends and family, and a few angel investors to build out a small team to make the product. By January 2023, they had a beta version of the product with 170,000 users to nail down their next steps. From there, they raised $4.1 million in seed funding to expand their fully virtual team to launch the consumer version. They continued to build features and grow the experience and revenue base. Toeman joined Element 46 in the summer of 2024 with his company in a positive position already. Still, Element 46 was undeniably a fit for Toeman, proving that the accelerator is attractive to entrepreneurs at any stage in their process. It was an opportunity to be a player-coach, Toeman said, where he was able to help other entrepreneurs, while also getting to know more Westchester-based businesses. At the same time, he had a new springboard for ideas related to Augie Studio that he hadn’t had before, allowing him to learn new things along the way. Being a part of the program opened new doors and opportunities for Toeman, his team and his company. They found themselves getting new customers, meeting new partners like Iona University, and connecting to the larger region, like the nearby Hudson Valley accelerator groups. Having the opportunity to find a place in Westchester was a significant benefit for Toeman, both personally and professionally. His company has continued to find its way to success since then. In fall 2025, Augie Studio was acquired by JWX, a leader in publisher platform technology. As of early 2026, Toeman is now the company’s senior vice president of AI innovation. As a key part of JWX, Augie Studio continues to help media companies transform articles, podcasts, and longform content into multi-platform experiences that drive distribution and monetization. Integrating into the JWX ecosystem has also allowed the Augie Studio team to supercharge development, expand resources, and continue delivering innovative solutions, now specifically for the future of content transformation in the publishing space. Although Augie Studio was a fully virtual company that has now been acquired, Toeman plans to continue to call Westchester home for the foreseeable future. When he moved here, he scouted the entire county for the right town and eventually landed in Irvington. He is mentoring four other startups and truly believes that Element 46 was a springboard for networking here in the county. “I’m super loving being here,” said Toeman.
A career in technology/AI might be right for you if:
• You’re flexible and don’t mind learning new things on a regular basis. • You’re comfortable with remote work or spending long periods of time in front of a screen. • You feel motivated to discover how technology can be used to solve problems.
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What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
Some Key Westchester Employers
• Adro • IBM • Innovative Network Solutions • SEEQC • Westchester Technology Group
A DRIVER OF THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW The Yonkers Industrial Development Agency (YIDA) provides financial incentives that have created economic development and job growth in the City of Yonkers. The incentives provided by the IDA have resulted in the creation of thousands of well-paying jobs in the construction trades for today’s new workforce.
To learn more about the Yonkers IDA, visit yonkersida.com or call (914) 509-8651
PROGRAMS WITH PURPOSE. FUTURES WITH PROMISE.
Are you ready to rise above? Our industry-driven programs in engineering, technology, management and aviation don’t just prepare you for a career—they help you secure one. With 97% of graduates employed or continuing their education within one year (77% landing jobs in their fields), this is where your future begins. And that’s a guarantee.*
RISE
ABOVE
To learn more about the programs we offer, visit vaughn.edu. *See vaughn.edu for details on the guarantee and outcomes data.
ENGINEERING | TECHNOLOGY | MANAGEMENT | AVIATION
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS With the rise of e-commerce, the transportation and logistics sector is more important than ever. The sector comprises jobs in warehousing, but also trucking, aviation, rail, and water transportation. In Westchester County, as elsewhere in the country, jobseekers with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) are in high demand. Job openings for truck drivers as well as other transportation/logistics workers, are projected to grow significantly through the rest of this decade. In the Hudson Valley, demand for workers in the air transportation sector is projected to rise by 14.3% between 2022 and 2032. Read on for more detail on jobs, trainings, and opportunities in this sector.
3 IMPORTANT JOBS
These jobs pay well and are set to grow or remain steady between 2022 and 2032 in the Hudson Valley. (Source: NYS Department of Labor)
1- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
What do they do? Conductors coordinate activities of the train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching. Required education: High school diploma or equivalent Projected growth: 4.3% Entry-level salary: $55,000 Median salary: $78,050
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2- Heavy and TractorTrailer Truck Drivers
What do they do? Heavy and tractortrailer truck drivers usually have a high school diploma and attend a professional truck driving school. They must have a commercial driver’s license. Required education: Postsecondary non-degree award Projected growth: 2.0% Entry-level salary: $48,250 Median salary: $61,060
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
3- Commercial Pilots
What do they do? Airline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. Pilots usually have variable work schedules, with overnight layovers that are more common for airline pilots. Required education: High school diploma or equivalent Projected growth: 0.0% Entry-level salary: $104,498 Median salary: $151,563
© Adobe Stock
CHOOSING A CAREER
TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS
Local Aviation Program Leads to Job Opportunities at Westchester Airport
© Courtesy of Andre Bowser
© Courtesy of Michael Zaruma Cueva
By David Levine
One of the fastest-growing job markets, both locally and around the world, is aviation. After taking a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, air travel has rebounded to 2019 levels and is continuing to increase rapidly, said Maxine Lubner, Ph.D., professor and chair in the Management department at Vaughn College. Vaughn, based in Queens near LaGuardia Airport, has been educating and training workers in this field for decades, and the college is so confident its graduates can get jobs, it offers a “Vaughn Guarantee.” “If an eligible student follows all the requirements and is not placed in a job or continuing their education within one year, Vaughn will reimburse a year’s worth of federal direct undergraduate student loan payments,” Lubner said. In fact, 97% of Vaughn graduates are employed or continuing their education, she added, with 77% in their field of study and the rest in another area of aviation, according to surveys of the graduates. That guarantee is a good bet, because the field is expected to explode in the coming years. “By 2050, it will increase by 2.5 to 3 times the levels of 2019, in all regions of the world, including North America,” according to recent reports by industry organizations, Lubner said. “We expect job demand will continue very strongly in all sectors of aviation.” Vaughn offers more than 30 different bachelor’s and master’s degrees, certificates and programs in engineering, engineering technology, aviation, and management. Jobs include airport management, air traffic control, aircraft maintenance — even being a pilot. The college is proud of its focus on minority and lessadvantaged students. It is ranked number-one in moving students from the bottom 40% to the top 40% in income nationally and from the bottom 20% to the top 1% in New York City. It is in the top 4% of colleges with highest returnon-investment for students from under-resourced communities, according to a Georgetown University study.
Vaughn Graduates Succeed in Aviation Roles
Michael Zaruma Cueva, an airport operations supervisor at Westchester County Airport, is a Vaughn graduate. “My primary responsibility is conducting thorough runway and lighting inspections to ensure that all lighting systems, navigational aids, and signage are fully operational and free of discrepancies,” he said. He also helps ensure the safe, secure, and efficient daily operation of the airfield, terminal, and other functions, including monitoring compliance with FAA and TSA regulations, coordinating emergency responses, overseeing wildlife management, and supervising personnel to maintain operational continuity, particularly during weather-related events. As a child, he wanted to become a pilot but couldn’t pursue that dream “due to the financial burden it would have placed on my parents,” he said. A field trip to the airport during high school “shifted my perspective and helped me realize that there are many other meaningful career paths within the aviation industry. After researching my options, I discovered airport management. I recognized that it would allow me to work closely with aircraft while gaining a deeper understanding of airport operations.” Vaughn College was “instrumental in preparing me for my role,” he said. One resource was particularly helpful: the college’s student chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. “Through this organization, I was able to connect with industry professionals, participate in airport tours, learn more about airside operations, apply for scholarships, and attend annual conferences,” he said. Andre Bowser, another Vaughn graduate, is also an operations supervisor at the airport. “I ensure full compliance with all of the airport’s federal regulations,” he said. That includes daily inspection of the airfield’s conditions to maintain a “safe, secure, and environmentally compliant airfield at all times. At the end of the day, my main goal is to keep a well-driven operation on a day-today basis.” As a child, Bowser loved watching airplanes take off. “Thanks to Vaughn College, I was fortunate to intern with Avports at Republic Airport, where I was introduced to airport operations. Instantly, I fell in love with it because it allowed me to interact with aircraft on a day-to-day basis and fulfill the passion I had as a child.” Lubner said she likes to tell students that “you can be anything you want to be in this exciting field. Aviation is an international transportation system that is technologically sophisticated and rapidly growing.” What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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© Courtesy of Lauren Horowitz
My Transportation & Logistics Story Lauren Horowitz, Truck Driver, MJB Enterprises By David Levine If you told Lauren Horowitz a few years ago that one day she would be a truck driver and member of the Teamsters Union, she would have thought you were crazy. Yet the 25-year-old Poughkeepsie resident is just that, and couldn’t be happier. Her father and brother, Jim Sr. and Jr., are both in the union, but she went to college to study social work. “Then COVID hit, the world stopped, and adulthood hit,” she said. She couldn’t finish college and got her own apartment but struggled to make ends meet. So, she got a job as a flagger — “my first glimpse of blue-collar work” — and the workers would let her move the truck. “I was the only woman on the site ever, and it felt pretty cool to be in the truck, shifting gears,” she said. Her father suggested she get her commercial driver’s license (CDL), so she applied through a Department of Labor program that helped fund CDL school. While learning to drive trucks, she worked with her brother at a paving company, where she did manual labor, and her brother also let her practice driving when she had her permit. She got her CDL and then found a job with the highway department in Beekman, NY. “They are part of the union, so that was my introduction. When you get the job, you join the union, Teamsters Local 456.” After about 18 months there, she landed a job with MJB Enterprises, in Dover Plains, in April 2025. She drives a variety of trucks and trailers and even handled a concrete mixer. She likes driving because of “how empowering it is. It was all new to me, so every day I am learning and getting better,” she said. “You see a lot of self-growth in that.”
She also enjoys being part of the union. “You meet some great people that are part of your journey as well, who teach you and help you along the way.” The journey was not easy, she admits. “Having an open mind is really important, to be able to take constructive criticism,” she said. “You have to be willing to learn, because you never stop learning; [there’s] a lot of trial and error.” Take maintenance, for example. “It’s not my responsibility to fix the truck, but it is my responsibility to identify when something is wrong. I had no prior knowledge about trucks, so learned a lot about radiator hoses and fittings,” she laughed. “You might get dirty and smell like diesel, and it goes back to having an open mind. There are good days and bad days, so it’s about showing up the next day and starting fresh.” Horowitz wants to keep earning more driving credentials, like towing, “to make myself more valuable.” She advises anyone looking into this field to “get comfortable being uncomfortable. Everything felt so uncomfortable to me at the beginning. There were some hard days, mentally and physically. But keep showing up. It’s not about how you start, it’s how you finish. I think you will be shocked where it could lead you.” She is thrilled where it has led her. “If you asked me at 18 what I would be doing in six years, I wouldn’t have thought it would be driving a truck. But I am so happy I am.”
A career in transportation/logistics might be right for you if:
Some Key Westchester Employers
Links and Resources
Southern Westchester BOCES Southern Westchester BOCES’ adult education department offers classes in key transportation/ logistics skills, such as auto body repair and auto mechanics.
• You’re interested in traveling. • You don’t mind unusual hours. • You’re looking for credentials that can transfer easily and are in demand in multiple sectors.
Heritage Auto School
This CDL driving school serves the Yonkers and White Plains areas. New students are always accepted.
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Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES offers a Transportation Career Academy as part of its career and technical education programming, as well as auto mechanics courses.
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
• Capital Logistics • H&D Industries of NY, LLC • Ron’s Moving, Packing & Trucking Company • Westchester County Airport • Wright Brothers Transport
GETTING A JOB
Looking for College, Career Opportunities? These Organizations Can Help By Rita Ross
Latino U College Access
First-generation high school students with college dreams can find practical support from Latino U College Access (LUCA), a White Plains-based nonprofit that focuses on high-achieving, low-income students. LUCA partners with eight Westchester school districts, helping high school juniors and seniors reach college. “This year alone, we’re assisting 120 students,” said Faith Ann Butcher, the organization’s CEO. “We look at their academic needs, financial possibilities for their family, and help determine the best overall college fit,” added Grace Battaglia, LUCA’s senior manager of development and communications. “Some parents don’t speak English as their first language,
Each year, YPIE holds a college signing celebration for seniors.
so we offer outreach to families who might benefit. We try to get the word out through school districts, social services, and libraries,” said Andrea Parada, LUCA’s director of development. LUCA programs include College Access, offering personal mentorship outside of school hours. Trained volunteers assist students in creating college lists, filling out applications and applying for financial aid and scholarships. “One of our main goals is to help students graduate with little or no student debt,” said Butcher. Graduating students can continue with LUCA’s twoyear College Success program, receiving coaching to help acclimate to college life. “Then, in their junior and senior years, we focus on Career Readiness — resumes, mock job interviews, and exploring potential career fields,” added Butcher. About one-third of its students eventually attend Mercy University, and in December 2025, LUCA launched a partnership with Mercy to coordinate outreach and student support. LUCA’s high school graduates have also been accepted to schools including SUNY, Cornell, Harvard, Vassar, Boston University, and Brown. LUCA also partners with Regeneron and other regional companies. Added Butcher: “One of our graduates has been promoted to a vice president position at Morgan Stanley, one is now a data engineer at Pepsi, and one senior has already been offered a job at Microsoft.” What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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© Courtesy of YPIE
Yonkers Partners in Education
The nonprofit Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) guides students through high school, college, and into the working world, helping them access skills and resources needed at each stage. “Many of our students are from lower-income families, who at first may not feel they have a place in higher education. We help them see it can be possible and affordable,” said Alexa Dalbis, YPIE’s director of strategic partnerships. Students enter the YPIE pipeline in their high school freshman or junior years. The Freshman Scholars program provides individual mentorship during the school day, then offers after-school projects where students pick from “majors” including science research, finance, robotics, entrepreneurship, film, the environment, and debate. As juniors, students can opt into the College Access program. “YPIE advisors assist students in things like building a college list, writing their application essay, and applying for financial aid,” said Dalbis. YPIE reaches more than 2,000 students annually, supported by professionals, volunteers, and business partners. College affiliations include direct admission and fellowship partnerships with SUNY Purchase, and collaborations with Mercy and St. Peter’s universities. After high school, students can continue on with the College Persistence program to help navigate their college years. YPIE’s Career Connections was launched in the fall of 2025. “It guides college students into internships and helps prepare them for the transition into grad school or the workforce,” said Susan Schwartz, YPIE’s chief marketing officer. Career Connections has matched students with corporate partners including Con Edison, Webster Bank, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
GETTING A JOB Connect Westchester
© Courtesy of The STEM Alliance
Connect Westchester is a Westchester County–funded digital equity initiative, administered by the county’s Office of Economic Development, that supports residents in need by providing essential technology, internet access, and digital skills training. Led by The STEM Alliance in partnership with the Westchester County Association (WCA), the program has distributed more than 1,300 Chromebooks and delivered foundational tech training to over 1,100 residents to date. The need is significant: more than 50,000 households in Westchester lack reliable, high-speed internet access, according to the WCA. “We’re entering our fourth year serving people based on their digital needs,” said STEM Alliance President Margaret Käufer. Connect Westchester begins by assessing each participant’s situation through a consultation with a trained digital navigator. Those who qualify may receive a Chromebook at no cost, hands-on training, and guidance on affordable internet options. “We focus mostly on high-need, workforce-age people who qualify financially, or those in other situations of distress,” said Käufer. “Some clients are returning from incarceration or unstable housing. We’ve served fire victims who lost all their possessions and need a computer to get back to work. Or someone might be living paycheck to paycheck, or cobbling together several gig jobs, but can’t quite level up because they don’t have digital skills.” Studies show that 92% of current jobs require basic digital skills, Käufer added. “And people training for trade jobs in fields like HVAC, contracting work, or others still need foundational digital skills. Connect Westchester helps address that.”
SUNY Reconnect
In the fall of 2025, SUNY Westchester Community College launched its SUNY Reconnect program, providing no-cost associate degrees in high-demand fields for residents aged 25 to 55 with no prior college degree. Through the New York State Opportunity Promise scholarship initiative, the state’s community colleges offer SUNY Reconnect to cover costs of tuition, fees, books, and supplies for eligible residents after other forms of federal and state tuition aid have been applied. “It’s designed to remove barriers in a student’s way to getting an associate’s degree,” said Nicola Glass, SUNY Reconnect program specialist at SUNY Westchester. “One wonderful thing about the program is its flexibility, and the majority of our students are working or balancing family obligations,” she said. “There’s no GPA requirement, and you can attend full or part-time, with a minimum enrollment requirement of six credits.” Some classes are in-person; others combine oncampus with online learning. Courses include advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering, green and renewable energy, nursing and health professions, pathways to teaching, and technology. “Health Studies is by far the largest focus among our Reconnect students,” said Glass. “It’s the prerequisite for our other healthcare programs such as nursing, radiology, and respiratory care.” Other top student SUNY Reconnect choices include its pathways to teaching as well as tech, especially cybersecurity, noted Glass. “We work with individuals every day on overcoming whatever is preventing them from getting their degree,” she added.
Connect Westchester has delivered foundational tech training to more than 1,100 residents to date.
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Trouble Finding a Job? Here Are Tips to Help You Connect with Employers
© Sherry Bruck, Harquin
By Rita Ross
In today’s world of AI-scanned resume filters and other high-tech gatekeepers, it’s challenging for job seekers to make contact with potential employers. We asked three workforce-development professionals to offer advice on how to connect with real humans looking to hire. Nailing an interview in the current job market can be tough, said Jason Chapin, director of workforce development at the Westchester County Association (WCA). The WCA offers workshops, training, career pathway programs, and partners with regional companies and organizations. “It’s been hard for recent college grads and people returning to the workforce,” Chapin said. Especially with today’s impersonal online applications, it’s vital to develop a job-hunting plan, he added. When distributing your resume online, quality is more important than quantity. “Customize it for each position you’re applying for and make sure it includes key words contained in the job description,” he said. And even though job boards and sites like Indeed and LinkedIn make it a breeze to upload multiple resumes, Chapin advised restraint: “Don’t just send out resumes willy-
nilly and waste your time and other people’s by applying to jobs you’re not qualified for. You’ll also get better results if you apply for jobs using employer websites.” Another strategy: get out there in person. “Job fairs and other hiring events are valuable because you can meet face to face with a recruiter, hand them your resume, and have a brief but significant conversation,” said Chapin. “Telling family, friends, and other people you know that you’re looking for a job can also help open doors.” Another tactic: widen your job-search parameters. “If, for instance, you majored in marketing, you might not automatically consider the healthcare field,” Chapin said. “But hospitals and other large healthcare organizations have a variety of entry points for jobs; not all are patient oriented.” Job seekers might find openings in information technology, human resources, administration, marketing, transportation, security, or food service departments. “It’s important to think outside the box; you never know what might turn up.” There’s no magic formula to connect with employers in today’s job-search world, said Sherry Bruck, a career center operator for the Westchester-Putnam Career Center What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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GETTING A JOB are opening up for a new project. Or an employer might ask for a referral for someone to hire among students in a BOCES plumbing class. Keep your ears open — you never know what might be helpful in the job search.”
© Sherry Bruck, Harquin
Network. “It’s not easy, and it definitely takes effort, but it can be done, using a combination of digital job searches and reaching out in person.” The Career Center Network often presents live events to match recruiters with job seekers, Bruck noted. “Sectorspecific job fairs are good for networking,” she said. Social media can also be a source for potential employment opportunities. Do your homework before starting your work search, Bruck advised. Check company websites and tailor your resume to their needs. Along with posting your resume on job boards and websites like Indeed, it’s smart to create a LinkedIn profile. “Employers and employees both use LinkedIn, and with just a few clicks, you can find out about companies and people to contact.” Make sure your LinkedIn profile is professional-looking, with a businesslike photo (no vacation pics!), and an accurate, up-to-date work history. Bruck also urges job seekers to tap into resources like the New York State Department of Labor website (dol.ny.gov/ virtual-job-fairs). NYDOL offers a monthly Virtual Career Fair to help job seekers connect with employers across various industries online, without even having to leave home.
Tracy Racicot sees both sides of the job search in her duties as director of the Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Adult & Community Services. “We often invite employers and union representatives to our classes to speak about careers and hand out job postings to students. Some of our students even get employment offers before they complete their courses,” Racicot said. “We also maintain an active jobs board on our website, and because BOCES jobs programs are driven by local and state labor statistics, the classes we offer are relevant and timely.” SWBOCES partners with the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board and regional career centers. It also hosts open houses for current and potential students, employers, unions, and community and state organizations. “These kinds of events can be a great opportunity to help people put faces to names and learn about jobs.” Today’s online application processes make the job search easier, but also create barriers such as AI-based screening, Racicot said, requiring customized resumes to get past an employer’s digital door. “And online platforms are so simple to use that people waste time applying for jobs they’re not qualified for,” she said. “When I’m seeking to hire someone, I may get 200 online applicants, but maybe three are qualified.” Yet digital work searches are a boon in many ways, such as providing the ability to hunt for industry-specific jobs, or employers in a certain geographical area, Racicot added. Don’t overlook job-hunting tactics like old-fashioned word of mouth, she said. “In the trades, like construction, someone might mention they’ve heard that 10 positions
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© Courtesy of WCA
Targeted Applications, Word of Mouth Can Help
Above and previous page: Job fairs are one of the best ways to get face time with employers. Pictured are recent job fairs organized by the Westchester-Putnam Career Center Network, Westchester County, Sustainable Westchester, and the Westchester County Association.
ason Chapin of the WCA suggests J these additional resources for job seekers: The job search videos offered by Indeed in partnership with the Westchester-Putnam Career Center Network
Career resources offered by the Westchester Library System
Career, training, and job exploration tools at CareerOneStop
Iona University: Setting Students Up for Career Success Going to college can sometimes feel like just another educational box to check after high school, as opposed to something that is meant to prepare you for a career. As a result, for many college students, entering the workforce after four years of classroom learning feels like a daunting challenge — especially if you’re the first generation in your family to go to college. Iona University in New Rochelle solves this problem by integrating career readiness throughout the entire college experience. “The overarching goal is to have career everywhere,” said Matt Cardin, assistant vice president for enrollment and career initiatives. “We don’t just want students employed at graduation; we want to equip them with the skills to be employable and manage their career for a lifetime.” One long-running effort in supporting this mission is Iona’s student leadership curriculum, which connects student leaders with business and community leaders. These partnerships help students develop the leadership skills necessary to address the rapidly evolving and complex issues of our time.
Building the Skills Employers Want
Iona expanded its career-readiness strategy further in fall 2025 with two new academic courses designed specifically to build competencies employers value most. Taught by Cardin and the university’s Career Center staff, the courses emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, adaptability, and applied learning. “These are core competencies that are in demand across all jobs, regardless of what career you choose,” Cardin said. “We aim to help students identify these skills, think about how they demonstrate them, and adopt strategies to further develop them over time.” Professional Skills 1 is designed for sophomores and introduces students to the concepts of career readiness, and Professional Skills 2 for juniors builds on the lessons from the previous class. Both course sections reinforce the lessons students are taught by creating an environment of workplace-style expectations. Students are expected to arrive prepared, be on time, meet deadlines, communicate professionally, and notify instructors in advance if they will miss class — habits that directly translate to successful workplace behavior. To support Iona’s first-generation students in particular, the courses also cover topics such as professional
appearance, workplace conduct, and how to stand out in a competitive hiring process. Industry experts and HR professionals visit the classes to provide insights and guidance. Career choice is another key component of the classes. “Early on in the course, I show students a framework of value-based decision-making so they can identify a career path that aligns with what’s important to them,” Cardin said. “For young adults, choosing a career can feel overwhelming. I want students to see that careers aren’t a straight line. When you know what’s important to you, you can navigate every change with purpose and build a meaningful career over time.” Another recent example of Iona’s career focus is Education in Real Life, a pilot program that will take place for the first time in the summer of 2026. The three-credit What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed.
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GETTING A JOB
Helpful Sites for Your Job Search Career OneStop
Find career resources based on your age and background, and simple guides on how to determine your best career fit or recover from a layoff. You’ll find career options by salary, scholarships, training programs, and certification options too.
© All images on this and the previous page courtesy of Iona University
course is free of charge and students receive a thousanddollar stipend to help make up for any lost income from summer work. “We’re going to bring in industry leaders in construction, hospitality, and others to talk about how AI is transforming their workplaces,” Cardin said. “Students will spend time at these organizations learning how AI is augmenting roles and influencing the future of work.” Through initiatives like these, Iona University continues to expand its commitment to preparing students not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of professional growth. By embedding career readiness across the college experience, Iona ensures graduates step confidently into a rapidly evolving workforce.
Helpful Links for Westchester Job Seekers Find more career-focused content on SKILLS Magazine’s career landing page.
Here are just a few examples of the content you’ll see there:
Career Zone
iring in Westchester: What Recruiters Are H Looking for in 2026
My Next Move
he Skill Tree Prepares Young People in T Westchester for the Workforce
Explore different career fields and find out what it takes to succeed in these fields. You can also take self-assessments and browse dozens of free career resources.
Search careers by keywords, industry, and personal interests. For veterans, a special tool will help you find civilian careers that match your military skills.
O*NET OnLine
Find, search, or browse across 900+ occupations based on your goals and needs. Then use comprehensive reports to learn about requirements, characteristics, and available opportunities for your selected occupation.
Virtual Career Center
The Virtual Career Center uses advanced technology, backed by AI, to provide job leads that really match a job seeker’s skills and experience. Upload your resume, browse top jobs in seconds, and see reasons why you’re a good fit.
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We spoke with Torey Neil, senior recruiter in talent acquisition for Summit Health, which operates across Westchester, New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
The Skill Tree is graphic depiction and a flexible lesson framework for the 21 essential professional skills everyone needs to thrive in school and in the workplace — things like human connection, self-management, critical thinking, and conflict resolution.
You can also get access to new career content by subscribing to our monthly Westchester Skill Up! newsletter! Scan to sign up.
We Want to Hear From You!
Was the content in this publication helpful to you as you plan your career in Westchester? Is there something you’d like to see more or less of? Let us know by filling out our reader survey.
RESOURCES
2026 Resource Guide to Regional Education, Training, and Resources Brought to you by the Westchester County Association The organizations listed in this section provide valuable information and services to job seekers, students, parents, employees, and employers. Use the links as a jumping-off point to explore their many offerings.
ADELPHI UNIVERSITY adelphi.edu Adelphi University offers 120+ exceptional undergraduate and graduate programs through eight schools and colleges. The main campus in Garden City and dynamic learning hubs in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley, Suffolk County, and online serve a diverse population of nearly 8,000 students from 44 states and 64 countries. Contact Karen Parish Autry, Associate Director of Employer Relations, at autry@adelphi.edu.
COLLEGE OF WESTCHESTER cw.edu The College of Westchester (CW) offers programs at the certificate, associate degree, and baccalaureate levels in cybersecurity, information technology, healthcare administration, medical assisting, digital media, human services, public health, business, and accounting. Contact JoAnn Sondey, Director of Career Services, at jsondey@cw.edu.
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING STUDIES fordham.edu/school-of-professionaland-continuing-studies We offer a wide range of degree, certificate, workforce skills development, and non-degree programs: applied health informatics, real estate/construction/hospitality,
© Courtesy of WCA
EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROVIDERS
undergraduate degree completion, SHRM cert prep course, postbaccalaureate/pre-health program. Contact Laura Bigaouette, EdD, Associate Dean-PCS, at lbigaouette@fordham.edu. Check out fordham.edu for all schools and programs at Fordham University (Westchester, Bronx, New York City).
IONA UNIVERSITY iona.edu With over 100 majors, minors, and graduate programs, Iona offers rigorous, quality academics across a wide range of disciplines. Students receive an exceptional education in their field of study. All programs emphasize skills needed in the real world: critical thinking, effective communication, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. Contact Matt Cardin, AVP for Enrollment Management and Career Initiatives, at mcardin@iona.edu.
LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY’S HUDSON GRADUATE CENTERS liu.edu/hudson LIU Hudson offers an MBA with a specialization in healthcare sector management and graduate-level programs in pharmaceutics, teacher education, educational leadership, and counseling, psychology, and therapy. Our extensive alumni network offers graduates opportunities in area schools, social services, healthcare, and business. Contact Bruce Jonas, Marketing and Recruitment Manager, at bruce.jonas@liu.edu.
MANHATTAN UNIVERSITY manhattan.edu Manhattan University is nationally ranked as a top school for graduates hired into high-earning jobs. From day one, students can engage in career exploration, real-world skill building, and AI training. The Office of Career Pathways’ resources and services empower Jaspers to be career ready. While securing employment is important, our undergraduate and graduate students are guided toward meaningful and purpose-driven careers. Support ranges from 1-on-1
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RESOURCES counseling and career workshops to career fairs and on-campus recruiting. Contact careerdevelopment@ manhattan.edu.
in the Caribbean nation of St. Lucia. Contact Pamela Lieberman, SVP, Corporate & Community Outreach, at pdellaporta@monroeu.edu.
MANHATTANVILLE UNIVERSITY mville.edu At Manhattanville University, students find a welcoming atmosphere of students, faculty, and staff. Students receive a top-tier education that prepares them to thrive in the real world and gain practical skills needed to be career-ready. Contact Christopher Thunberg, Director, Center for Career Development, at christopher.thunberg@mville.edu.
NEW YORK MEDICAL COLLEGE nymc.edu New York Medical College (NYMC) is a private, nonprofit health sciences college whose purpose is to educate clinical and public health professionals as well as researchers to conduct biomedical and populationbased research. In 2011, NYMC joined Touro University. NYMC is located in Westchester County. Contact Lydia Baer, HR Coordinator, Recruitment, at lbaer@nymc.edu.
MERCY UNIVERSITY mercy.edu Mercy University is committed to providing motivated students the opportunity to transform their lives through higher education by offering liberal arts and professional programs in personalized and highquality learning environments, thus preparing students to embark on rewarding careers, to continue learning throughout their lives, and to act ethnically and responsibly in a changing world. Contact Sara Shepherd, Director of Employer Relations, at sshepherd1@mercy.edu.
MONROE UNIVERSITY monroeu.edu Monroe educates 9,500 students each year, offering certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in allied health professions, business, accounting, finance, criminal and social justice, education, hospitality management, IT, nursing, and sports management from New York campuses in the Bronx and New Rochelle, as well as
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PACE UNIVERSITY pace.edu/campus-life/westchestercampus Pace has three campuses in New York City and Westchester County and enrolls almost 13,000 students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in more than 150 majors. Its seven schools and colleges offer a variety of courses in business, healthcare, computer science, humanities, education, science, law, the arts, and more. Contact Phyllis Mooney, Assistant Vice President, Career Services and Employer Relations at pmooney@pace.edu.
PUTNAM|NORTHERN WESTCHESTER BOCES pnwboces.org PNW BOCES offers a wide range of licensing and certification programs that lead to entry-level employment in fields such as healthcare, computer technology, cosmetology, heating, and construction trade programs. Students receive support services
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including career counseling, job development, and job placement. Contact Mary Cuomo, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, at mcuomo@ pnwboces.org.
PURCHASE COLLEGE purchase.edu Grounded in a rigorous liberal arts education, SUNY Purchase combines demanding programs in the arts and sciences with professional training to create a campus culture unlike any other. Creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning are emphasized, preparing students for a broad array of meaningful careers across industries. This distinctive combination produces students who think differently — creative problem-solvers and critical thinkers ready to make an impact in the world. Contact Ralph Dickinson, Director of Career Development, at ralph.dickinson@purchase.edu.
ROCKLAND BOCES rocklandboces.org Rockland BOCES Adult & Community Education delivers customized, resultsoriented training for adult learners who want practical skills, flexible schedules, and real pathways to employment. Adult learners continue to choose our programs for the career and technical education we provide that integrates academic and technical training with employment-readiness training. Students complete their courses better prepared for a successful career path in the in-demand fields of healthcare and the skilled trades. Contact Dr. Lori Yakawiak, Director, at lyakawiak@rboces.org.
ROCKLAND WORKS CAREER CENTER rocklandworks.org Rockland Works helps job seekers develop their resume, cover letter, and interview skills, as well as obtain paid internship and on-the-job training experiences. Additional services include basic computer training, career-related instructorled workshops, and training funds for skills upgrades or career transition for qualified candidates. Contact Shannon Hargrove, Director, at shargrove@rboces.org.
RPI AT WORK rpiatwork.rpi.edu Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) provides working professionals access to flexible, online, project-based graduate programs and professional courses through RPI at Work, including the MBA for Professionals, leadership and innovation certificates, and non-credit ProCourses that enable employees to immediately apply new knowledge to real workplace challenges. Contact RPI’s Bonnie Blumer, Westchester County Partnership Director, at sofarb@rpi.edu.
SARAH LAWRENCE COLLEGE sarahlawrence.edu Sarah Lawrence is a prestigious, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Founded in 1926 and consistently ranked among the leading liberal arts colleges in the country, Sarah Lawrence is known for its pioneering approach to education, rich history of impassioned intellectual and civic engagement, and vibrant, successful alumni. In close proximity to the unparalleled offerings of New York City, our historic campus is home to an inclusive, intellectually curious, and diverse community. Contact Jennifer Perez, Associate Director, Employer
Engagement Manager at jperez@ sarahlawrence.edu.
SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER BOCES swboces.org The Center for Adult and Community Services at Southern Westchester BOCES provides an array of workforce-development training programs that include healthcare, technology, and the trades. The main campus is in Valhalla, with other locations in Southern Westchester. Contact Tracy Racicot, Director, Center for Adult & Community Services, at tracicot@swboces.org.
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE stac.edu St. Thomas Aquinas College is a student-centered institution located in the New York City metropolitan area. The 72-acre campus provides a safe, welcoming place to study over 100 majors, minors, and specializations in the School of Arts & Social Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of STEM. Contact Denise Hopkins, Dean of Experiential Learning, at dhopkins@ stac.edu.
SUNY NEW PALTZ newpaltz.edu Located in the heart of a dynamic college town 90 minutes from New York City, SUNY New Paltz is one of the most well-regarded public universities in the nation, offering programs in business, liberal arts, sciences, engineering, fine and performing arts, and education. Ours is a community where talented and independent-minded people from around the world create close personal links with scholars, artists,
and mentors who love to teach. Contact Amanda Becker-Torres, Director, Career Resource Center, at beckerta@newpaltz.edu.
SUNY ORANGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE sunyorange.edu/plus/partnerships. html SUNY Orange offers a wide range of high-quality academic and workforce training programs designed to support career advancement, workforce development, and lifelong learning. With campuses in Middletown and Newburgh, as well as online options, we serve a diverse community of learners across New York State. Our workforce training programs provide skill-building opportunities tailored to industry needs. Contact plus@ sunyorange.edu.
SUNY WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE sunywcc.edu SUNY Westchester Community College offers more than 65 associate and certificate programs. The college also offers workforce training leading to industry-recognized credentials and licensures. The college is located in Valhalla, with extension centers in Mount Vernon, Ossining, Peekskill, and Yonkers. Contact Teresita Wisell, Vice President Workforce Development, at tere.wisell@sunywcc.edu.
WESTCHESTER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER (WEOC) sunyweoc.org SUNY Westchester Educational Opportunity Center offers tuition-free academic, vocational, and workforce training to eligible New York State residents and out-of-school youth. The Westchester EOC is located at
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RESOURCES 26 South Broadway in Yonkers. For further information, please contact Dwight Gonzalez, Program Specialist/ Enrollment, at dwight.gonzalez@ sunywcc.edu, or Kevin Bailey, Program Specialist/Career Services, at kevin. bailey@sunywcc.edu.
WESTCHESTER-PUTNAM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD/ CAREER CENTERS westchesterputnamonestop.com The Westchester-Putnam Career Center Network’s (WPCCN) four career centers — White Plains, Mt. Vernon, and Peekskill in Westchester County and Carmel in Putnam County — provide free state-of-theart technology, training, workshops, resources, career counseling, and recruiting services for both employers and job seekers at no cost. Contact Thom Kleiner, Executive Director, at tkleiner@westchestercountyny.gov.
WESTCHESTER SCHOOL FOR MEDICAL AND DENTAL ASSISTANTS (WSMDA) wsmda.edu At WSMDA, we are dedicated to jumpstarting careers straight out of high school. Our programs are meticulously designed to equip students with the skills they need to excel in the medical and dental fields within just a year. We offer comprehensive programs in medical assisting, dental assisting, and specialized courses in phlebotomy and EKG. If you’re interested in learning more, please call 914-682-9001 or visit our website.
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BUSINESS AND OTHER RESOURCE ORGANIZATIONS
“THE CATALYST”/WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT westchestercatalyst.com The Westchester County Office of Economic Development works to improve the county’s economic wellbeing and quality of life. This includes a broad range of activities to attract, create, and retain jobs, and to foster a resilient, pro-growth, and inclusive economy.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY ASSOCIATION westchester.org The Westchester County Association unites and mobilizes professional leaders to advance issues and lead initiatives that strengthen our regional economy. Our mission is to drive Westchester’s economic vitality, stimulate new business development and job creation, and provide our members with the resources and talent they need to grow. Our vision is to establish Westchester and the surrounding region as a premier center of economic opportunity and upward mobility — to make Westchester the best place for business to thrive and workers to live. Contact Jason Chapin, Director of Workforce Development, at jchapin@westchester.org.
NONPROFIT WESTCHESTER npwestchester.org More than 300 members strong, Nonprofit Westchester is the county’s only membership organization solely dedicated to advancing the needs and interests of Westchester’s nonprofit sector, the people and populations served, and the nonprofit workforce.
UNITED WAY OF WESTCHESTERPUTNAM uwwp.org United Way of Westchester-Putnam (UWWP) invests in education and training programs and focuses on income, education, and health issues. They also operate the free, confidential 2-1-1 Helpline, providing information and referral services to residents in need 24/7, serving the entire lower Hudson Valley 365 days a year.
VOLUNTEER NEW YORK! volunteernewyork.org Volunteer New York! inspires, mobilizes, and equips individuals, groups, and organizations to take positive action to address pressing challenges, support nonprofits, and strengthen the quality of life in our community.
SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
CHILD CARE COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER childcarewestchester.org The Child Care Council of Westchester champions the healthy development of children, families, and our community by promoting quality early care and education, as well as assistance to pay for child care.
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WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH mentalhealth.westchestercountyny.gov The Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) plans, oversees, and coordinates services for individuals with behavioral health issues and their families. Behavioral health includes mental illness, developmental/ intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders.
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