Honored Leaders of Westchester County Association and My Brother Vinny
L-R-Legislator Colin Smith, Paula Miritello, BOL Chair Vedat Gashi
L-R-Legislator Nancy Barr, Michael Romita, BOL Chair Vedat Gashi
The Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrated Italian American Heritage Month on Monday night with a ceremony recognizing two exceptional honorees: Michael N. Romita, President and CEO of Westchester County Association, champion for Westchester’s economic development and environmental sustainability and Paula Miritello, founder and director of My Brother Vinny, a nonprofit organization that provides furnishings for formerly homeless U.S. veterans.
Both Romita and Miritello spoke of family members who emigrated from Italy to the Bronx generations ago and settled in Westchester County to make a new life. This history inspired the honorees to devote time and energy to community work by the example of their families’ struggles, joys, and sacrifices.
Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) opened the ceremony by welcoming guests and the Board’s honorees to the celebration. He said, “Tonight, we pay tribute to Italian Americans, whose culture, traditions, and hard work have shaped our county’s success for generations. From the skilled laborers who built the Kensico Dam to our honorees this evening—community leaders whose compassionate service and achievements in economic development and environmental sustainability continue to enrich Westchester—our county is stronger because of their enduring contributions.”
Legislator Nancy E. Barr (D–Harrison, Port Chester, Rye Brook) delivered a proclamation and said, “I am privileged to honor my constituent Michael Romita at this year’s Italian American Heritage celebration. Michael’s contributions to Westchester are many, from his days as a local business owner of Castle Oil Corporation, to his current role as CEO of the Westchester County Association (WCA), to his dedicated service on multiple Boards. Michael brings to each of his roles a keen intelligence, a broad skillset, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to help Westchester thrive. Under Michael’s leadership, WCA has seen growth in real estate and housing, healthcare and life-science, workforce development, energy and sustainability, and digital opportunity. Even more important than Michael’s many professional accomplishments is the friendship he extends to so many in our community, including myself, for which I am grateful. Congratulations Michael—keep up the good work!”
Legislator Colin D. Smith (D–Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown) presented a proclamation to Paula Miritello, and said, “In a world often driven by self-interest, Paula Miritello chose service. Honoring her brother Vincent not through grief, but through action, she built a legacy of compassion that transforms empty apartments into homes and isolation into community. Her work uplifts the lives of formerly homeless veterans, honoring those who served our country. To pick Paula is to honor love in its purest form—unconditional, tireless, and deeply human.”
View Monday night’s event program here .
Immediately following the celebration, the Board of Legislators convened a regular meeting.
Watch the full meeting here.
