WCA Annual Leadership Event

Thursday

November 19, 2026

5:15pm-8:30pm

Glen Island Harbour Club New Rochelle, New York

Event Highlights

Join us for an evening honoring Westchester’s catalysts for change: the leaders, ideas, and partnerships driving economic development, shaping policy, and advancing innovation throughout the county. Connect with the region’s most influential leaders we celebrate the people and progress shaping Westchester’s future, while building momentum around a shared vision for continued growth.

5:15PM – Arrival and Registration Opens
6:00PM – Program Begins
6:45PM – Cocktail Networking Reception
8:30PM – Event Conclusion

Reserve Your Ticket

Keynote Presentation

Fireside Chat with Ed Gillespie

Senior Executive Vice President - External and Legislative Affairs, AT&T

This year’s keynote speaker is Ed Gillespie, AT&T’s Senior Vice President of External and Legislative Affairs. Recognized as a leading voice on national tech policy; Ed previously served as White House Counselor to President George W. Bush and Chair of the Republican National Committee. WCA President & CEO Michael Romita will sit down with Ed to discuss today’s policy landscape, as well as the policies shaping the digital economy. The discussion will span closing the digital divide, building tech-enabling infrastructure, and how policy can lead emerging technology.

Honorees

Leadership Award

AT&T

We are proud to honor AT&T with a Leadership Award in recognition of its sustained leadership and investment in Westchester’s digital future. AT&T has played a defining role in expanding opportunity and building the technology infrastructure that will carry Westchester into its next chapter. The company's investment in robust digital infrastructure is laying the groundwork for a thriving tech economy, while its commitment to digital equity—including partnership on initiatives such as YZone and Connect Westchester—is expanding connectivity to more individuals and communities across the entire region.

Al DelBello Visionary Award

Joe Simone

President, Simone Development Companies

We are proud to present the Al DelBello Visionary Award to Joe Simone, President of Simone Development Companies. Throughout his career leading and growing his family-owned firm, Joe has continually demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enriching communities across Westchester and the greater New York metropolitan area, advancing groundbreaking projects that revitalize spaces to elevate communities. Joe’s ability to see the opportunity in vacant and underutilized sites has left a lasting impact across our region, exemplifying what it means to be a visionary leader in the spirit of WCA’s former chair, and County Executive; Al DelBello.

New Leader Trailblazer Award

Kathleen Reckling

CEO, ArtsWestchester

We are honored to present this year’s New Leader Trailblazer Award to Kathleen Reckling, CEO of ArtsWestchester. Kathleen’s community-driven leadership and ability to connect big ideas with practical solutions have meaningfully advanced ArtsWestchester’s mission, enhancing the organization’s service of artists and communities across the county. The impact of Kathleen’s leadership extends far beyond the walls of ArtsWestchester; her dedication to advancing the arts is strengthening Westchester’s cultural footprint and creating a more vibrant regional economy.

This Evening’s Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

To learn more about Westchester County Association and all of its initiatives visit Westchester.org.