WCA Extends a Warm Welcome to Montefiore Medical Center

Montefiore’s Expansion Brings Jobs, High-Quality Healthcare to Westchester

At a reception Thursday night, the Westchester County Association honored Montefiore Medical Center for their commitment to revitalizing healthcare in Westchester County. Hosted by the WCA’s Healthcare Consortium and BLUEPRINT for Westchester, top healthcare executives and business leaders welcomed Dr. Steven Safyer, president and CEO, and other senior members of the Bronx-based organization, and embraced their expansion into Westchester County.

“Montefiore is now the second-largest landowner in Westchester County, and one of our largest employers,” said Bill Mooney, WCA president, in his welcoming remarks. “The job creation they are providing in Westchester is critical, but even more important is the passionate care at the center of their mission. Simply put, they will make Westchester better by being here.”

Dr. Safyer remarked that he was thrilled to return to Westchester County, where he’d raised his children and lived in New Rochelle for 25 years. “It’s exciting to come back and make a beautiful connection between what we built in the Bronx, and what we’re bringing to Westchester County.

The invite-only crowd included New York State Senate Democratic Conference Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, who represents New York’s 17th District, and Mike Kaplowitz, chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators. Ned McCormack, County Executive Rob Astorino’s Communications Director, was also on hand to extend a warm welcome to the Montefiore administration.

Montefiore’s extension in Westchester County includes the purchase of the Kraft Foods building in Tarrytown, the acquisition of the Sound Shore Medical Center’s campuses in Mt. Vernon and New Rochelle, and a significant expansion of leased office space.  In addition, Montefiore and White Plains Hospital recently announced plans for a partnership, strengthening the regional network of hospitals and community physicians in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

“We need institutions in our community to provide care and support, and that preserve jobs,” Dr. Safyer said.

Dr. Safyer said he had considered other positions at other medical institutions over the years, but none appealed to him as much as Montefiore, because of the institution’s community mission, and focus on research and innovation.

“I am what you call a ‘lifer,” said Safyer. “Montefiore is a great place to build a career. And when we acquired Sound Shore, I promised their employees we would grow. We are pleased to preserve jobs, expand our footprint, and revitalize healthcare in Westchester. We need to keep people well, and working at their finest.”

The event is one in a series hosted by the Healthcare Consortium, which works together to keep Westchester County ahead of the rapidly changing healthcare curve.  Their major event will be the HealthTech ’14: Fueling Innovation on May 7-8 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Tarrytown. For further information: www.healthtech2014.com