NEW ROCHELLE, NY (October 14, 2026) — Seven people with ties to New Rochelle, Pelham, Larchmont, Rye, Rye Brook and Port Chester are among 25 influential figures featured by Westchester Magazine as part of its 25th anniversary celebration.
The magazine’s feature, 25 Influential Leaders Share What They Love About Westchester, recognizes individuals in government, business, education, health care, environmental advocacy and other fields who have helped shape the county.
Among those featured are former New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, U.S. Rep. George Latimer and several business and nonprofit leaders with connections to the Sound Shore.
Noam Bramson — New Rochelle
Bramson, a lifelong New Rochelle resident who served 18 years as mayor, is now executive vice president for government affairs and economic development at the Business Council of Westchester.
In his interview, Bramson highlighted New Rochelle’s downtown redevelopment program, saying the city’s revitalization framework is on track to produce more than 10,000 new homes and numerous businesses.
Dr. Belinda S. Miles — New Rochelle
Miles, a New Rochelle resident, is president of SUNY Westchester Community College.
The magazine recognized her leadership in expanding academic and workforce development programs, strengthening partnerships with employers and improving educational opportunities.
Miles cited improvements in student retention and graduation rates among the college’s accomplishments.
George Latimer — Rye
Latimer, who has lived in Rye for 41 years, represents New York’s 16th Congressional District. He previously served two terms as Westchester County executive.
In his interview, Latimer discussed county infrastructure and recreation projects undertaken during his administration.
He also identified HOPE House in Port Chester as one of several local organizations deserving greater recognition.
Anthony Gioffre III — Port Chester, Rye Brook
Gioffre, managing partner at Cuddy & Feder LLP, grew up in Port Chester and Rye Brook before moving to Connecticut.
A land-use attorney with more than 25 years of experience, Gioffre has worked on major development projects throughout Westchester.
He cited his involvement with redevelopment plans for the former United Hospital property in Port Chester and the Pratt Landing project in New Rochelle.
Michael N. Romita — Pelham
Romita, a Pelham native, serves as president and CEO of the Westchester County Association.
A former U.S. Department of Justice trial attorney, Romita previously worked in his family’s energy business before taking leadership of the association.
His current work focuses on housing, health care, sustainability, economic development and workforce issues across Westchester.
Susan Fox — Larchmont
Fox, a Larchmont resident, is president and CEO of White Plains Hospital and senior vice president for the Hudson Valley at Montefiore Einstein.
A former pediatric intensive care nurse, Fox has overseen hospital expansion and growth in the institution’s physician network.
She discussed a 475,000-square-foot, 10-story expansion of White Plains Hospital that will nearly double the size of its inpatient building.
Tracy Brown — Larchmont
Brown, president of Riverkeeper, previously worked with Save the Sound and established the environmental organization’s Larchmont office.
She also launched water patrols and a water-quality monitoring program aimed at protecting Long Island Sound.
Brown, who lives in Sleepy Hollow, told the magazine that protecting the region’s waterways remains an ongoing priority.
Magazine Celebrates 25 Years
The anniversary feature includes interviews with 25 prominent Westchester residents and leaders, including former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
The honorees discuss their contributions to the county, favorite local places, organizations they support and changes they believe Westchester needs.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.
Have information about this story? Email robertcox@talkofthesound (preferred) or contact via WhatsApp: +353 089 972 0669.