test M A R C H 2 3,•2 0 2 6 | | Retirements, Skills Gaps, Workforce Shifts: Leaders Focus on Talent Pipeline at WCA Summit | | |
The WCA convened leaders from business, education, government, and workforce organizations for its Annual Regional Workforce Development Summit on March 19.
Top 5 Takeaways:
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Workforce shifts are reshaping hiring. Retirements, demographic trends, and evolving employee expectations are impacting talent attraction and retention.
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Inclusive, industry-aligned training is critical. Keynote speaker Michelle Clark, VP, Empire State Development, underscored the need for reality-based strategies. “We need to build systems that are inclusive and informed by industry needs,” she said, noting that childcare, transportation, and housing challenges can limit workforce participation.
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Partnerships are driving stronger career pathways. Panelists emphasized collaboration among employers, educators, and public leaders to expand opportunities in high-growth sectors, including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and construction.
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Employers are adapting to new workforce expectations. Organizations are strengthening experiential learning programs, residencies and fellowships, and rethinking onboarding and retention strategies to support long-term talent development.
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Sustained collaboration will shape regional competitiveness. Continued cross-sector coordination is essential to building a resilient, future-ready talent pipeline.
See Photo Gallery.
| | WCA's Workforce Committee Advances Talent Strategies | |
Leaders Convened at SUNY WCC
Regional workforce experts focused on hiring trends, new training initiatives, and strategies to strengthen work-experience pathways. The committee highlighted short-term credential programs and expanded access to workforce training for adult learners and students. Members noted slowing hiring in most sectors alongside continued demand in healthcare, reinforcing the need for stronger talent pipelines. The Committee continues to work on initiatives tied to the WCA’s 1,000 Jobs Challenge and regional economic growth.
| | | The Labor Market Tightens: Secure Skilled Talent Now | |
Meet Your Next Hire April 14
Showcase open roles, meet hundreds of job seekers, and build relationships with local colleges and universities that strengthen your long-term hiring pipeline. In partnership with Westchester County, The Westchester County Association is hosting a free, members-only Regional Job Fair on April 14, at the Westchester County Center from 2–4pm. To reserve a table or learn about sponsorship opportunities, reach out to Kelly Haughey.
| | | Hire Smarter and Boost the Healthcare Sector with the WCA's New Employer and Job Seekers Guides | |
Hot Off the Press: Talent Guides
To strengthen the region's healthcare workforce, the WCA has released its 2026 talent guides. The Regional Healthcare Talent Ecosystem Guide helps employers build a long-term, sustainable pipeline of healthcare professionals.
The Job Seeker Guide connects individuals to career pathways, training programs, and healthcare employers.
| | | Happening this week: All Access Healthcare | |
Find Out What's Ahead for Health Systems
Policy shifts in Washington and Albany are impacting healthcare costs and access. Join fellow WCA members on March 25 for "All Access Healthcare: Healthcare 360" to understand what’s changing, and what your business should prepare for next. To register and learn more about sponsorship opportunities,
click here.
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Growing Our Network
Four new members join the WCA:
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Pace University Celebrates Launch of Gale Epstein Center
Pace University's unveiling of the new Gale Epstein Center for Technology, Policy, and the Environment marks a significant expansion of the University's leadership in environmental technology and innovation. Made possible by a gift from NYC philanthropist and business leader Gale Epstein, the Center builds on the success of Seidenberg’s Blue CoLab and Pace's work in water monitoring and environmental information systems. Read more.
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Northwell's Glen Cove Hospital Makes State History
Northwell Health's Glen Cove Hospital has become the first hospital in New York State to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The honor recognizes the hospital’s relentless commitment to quality, safety, innovation, and empowered leadership delivering exceptional care to the community.
Read more.
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Burke Rehabilitation Welcomes Three New Board Members
Burke has announced the appointment of three distinguished leaders, Lisa Feiner, Jason Perla, and Michael J. Smith, to its Hospital Board of Trustees. Each brings leadership and a wealth of experience across healthcare, real estate, finance, and public service, further strengthening the strategic direction of Burke as it advances its mission in rehabilitation care, research, and graduate medical education. Read more.
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WCA Congratulates Judith Watson, CHCANYS Board Chair
The Westchester County Association congratulates Judith Watson, CEO of Westchester Community Health Center, on her election as Chair of the Board of the Community Health Care Association of NYS. Her leadership advances equitable, accessible healthcare for underserved communities across New York. Read more.
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Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Nonprofit Westchester, in partnership with Westchester County, is offering two free Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings this spring:
April 15 and May 28 | 10:00 AM–2:30 PM
Lunch provided. Organizations may register up to two participants per session. To reserve a spot, contact Carmen Braia.
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Westchester County Office of Economic Development Monthly Life Sciences Event
The next Westchester County Life Sciences Monthly Networking event will be on March 25 at Burke Neurological Institute, with presentations from Matus Knoblich, CEO, Med-Stat, and Ron Cohen, former CEO, Acorda Therapeutics. All are welcome: founders and employees, innovators, investors, and those curious about Westchester’s life sciences ecosystem.
| | Thank You to Our Platinum Members | | F O L L O W••U S••O N••S O C I A L••M E D I A | | | | |
