“My key lesson learned would be, do not put work above everything.”
— Ashley Witkiewcz
Ashley Witkiewcz
Chief Operating Officer
Valley Pediatric Dentistry
In May 2007, Ashley Witkiewicz took a temporary admin role at Valley Pediatric Dentistry while she mulled over nursing versus business administration. She never left, working her way up, becoming a partner, and helping to transform the organization from a single location with $1 million in annual revenue into a multi-location practice with $10 million in annual revenue. In 2021, she co-founded the Hudson Valley Tongue-Tie Center with her partner, Dr. Ben Dancygier, creating a welcoming space specifically tailored to the needs of infant patients and new mothers.
Early-career mistake you learned from?
I can’t even begin to count the number of lessons both big and small that I have learned over the years. My key lesson learned would be, do not put work above everything and anything because it will result in burnout and relationship strain (ask me how I know). I’ve learned that the power of saying ‘no’ and utilizing people around you who can do something in a more timely manner, and probably better than you, is quite remarkable.
Current book recommendation?
“Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara, an inspiring New York Times bestseller.
Favorite ways to spend down time?
Reading in my library or doing anything outside, especially in the summer. Going to concerts, hiking, working out, changing paint colors in my house and offices. I absolutely love spending time with my husband, my family, friends, and my Frenchie (Gus) and Doberman (Baron).
Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order.
Southern Kitchen in Pleasantville. My order: beer-steamed mussels, watermelon salad, bourbon glazed skirt steak, and a glass of sangria. Now I’m starving just thinking about it!
Podcast pick?
My go-to for listening lately is “This Past Weekend” with Theo Von.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Always wanted to work in a lumber yard! I have a weird obsession with Home Depot and hardware stores.
“Early bird! I wake up at 4 a.m. like clockwork, ever since I was a child.”
— Ronald Rosado Abad
Ronald Rosado Abad
CEO
Community Housing Innovations
Decades of experience at organizations serving homeless adults and families in the New York City area influences Ron Abad’s diligent stewardship of Community Housing Innovations (CHI). Since taking the helm as CEO in March 2021, Abad has led the nonprofit through a period of remarkable scaling and operational modernization; its budget has grown to approximately $125 million, supporting a diverse regional workforce of 700 employees, while he espouses and embraces a holistic model that combines housing with financial literacy, eviction prevention, and foreclosure counseling to break the cycle of generational poverty.
Best and worst habits? Professional or personal, up to you.
Best: Highly organized. Manage time well. Great multitasker. Responsive, answer all emails and phone calls immediately. Worst: don’t sleep enough, about four or five hours a night. Need to work on this. Know it will catch up.
Professional advice you ignored?
Fully detach while on vacation. I need to take more vacations and detach!
Favorite ways to spend down time?
I carve out Saturdays to be with my wife and youngest daughter who’s about to head to college; I also have three grown daughters and six grandchildren. I also study the Bible as well as leadership and faith-related books every morning. I’m a big sports nut-football, golf, I’ve been a Yankees fan since birth. I also enjoy landscaping around my house.
Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order.
Fogo de Chão on Main Street in White Plains, one block from my office. Order: Marketplace (buffet type…no red meat; salmon and chicken occasionally). An $18 lunch! Can’t beat that price.
Podcast pick?
Not a podcast, but a daily “Minute with Maxwell” subscription to leadership guru John Maxwell. I am a big John Maxwell student!
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird! I wake up at 4 a.m. every morning, like clockwork, ever since I was a child.
“I quickly learned that being effective is less about taking on everything and more about prioritizing high-impact work and setting clear expectations.”
— Craig Ruoff
Craig Ruoff
Executive Vice President
Colliers International
When Westchester companies need to rethink their real estate situation, secure smarter leases, or get out of costly ones, Craig Ruoff is often their first call. The Colliers International executive vice president brings more than 30 years of experience and a strong track record in commercial brokerage, protecting clients’ bottom lines and positioning them for long-term growth. He has also been a steady presence in the community, including a long history of service to the Child Care Council of Westchester, where he has served multiple terms as board president.
Early-career mistake you learned from?
Early on, I thought saying yes to everything meant you were doing your job correctly. I quickly learned that being effective is less about taking on everything and more about prioritizing high-impact work and setting clear expectations.
Professional advice you ignored?
Don’t try to help everyone.
Favorite ways to spend down time?
With my family and dogs! I love to hike and swim.
Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order.
Tapisco in Mahopac for chouriço assado.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Scuba instructor.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird.
“I learned early on that speaking truth to power comes with consequences, especially when you don’t yet have much power.”
— CarlLa Horton
CarlLa Horton, MPA
Executive Director
Hope’s Door
When CarlLa Horton took the reins in 1997 at Hope’s Door, a nonprofit devoted to providing safe sanctuary and support to victims of domestic violence, she tapped into her lifelong commitment to advocacy, shaped by early personal experiences with domestic violence, poverty, and systemic inequities. Thanks to Horton’s deep well of expertise in the political, labor, and nonprofit sectors, Hope’s Door has experienced substantial growth; annual revenue increased from $532,000 to $4.8 million, and the number of survivors served annually grew from 205 to more than 1,400.
Early-career mistake you learned from?
I learned early on that speaking truth to power comes with consequences, especially when you don’t yet have much power. During my student teaching (yes, I thought I would be a teacher), I told a principal that something he said was racist. It did not go over well in 1971. I don’t regret the conviction, but I did learn to be more strategic about when and how to use my voice.
Best and worst habits? Professional or personal, up to you.
Best: I get the job done no matter how long it takes.
Worst: Nutrition. My favorite vegetable is Cape Cod Potato Chips (original with sea salt).
Professional advice you ignored?
Take the highest-paying job, even if you don’t like the work. I ignored that and I’m glad I did.
Favorite ways to spend down time?
Seeing Broadway shows, most recently “Operation Mincemeat” (twice!) and “Chess,” and visiting museums, lately the Frick and the Morgan Library, both in one day.
Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order.
Miyabi Asian Bistro in Pleasantville. Favorite lunch order is the two roll lunch special of a California Roll and a Sweet Potato Tempura Roll.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
President of the United States, or a country western singer like Dolly Parton, whom I believe deserves the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“I learned that asking questions, even the so-called ‘obvious’ ones, is far more important than trying to seem brilliant.”
— Horace Anderson Jr.
Horace Anderson Jr.
Dean, Elisabeth Haub School of Law
Pace University
Horace Anderson Jr., the ninth dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, has been integral to the venerated White Plains institution as a professor and senior administrator for over two decades. Under his leadership, Pace Haub Law garnered its first U.S. News & World Report ranking as the number one environmental law program in the country. Among many other achievements, he also led the law school’s multi-million-dollar campaign and oversaw the launch of the collaborative Pace Access to Justice Project to address gaps in the legal system.
Early-career mistake you learned from?
The biggest one was thinking I had to appear smart about everything right away—that asking questions might compromise my professional image. Early on, I didn’t ask enough questions because of that. Getting over that has been incredibly important for me. Over time, I learned that asking questions, even the so-called ‘obvious’ ones, is far more important than trying to seem brilliant in every moment. What matters is the end result.
Movie you are always up to rewatch?
“The Godfather” and “The Godfather Part II.”
Favorite ways to spend down time?
Teaching martial arts. I teach both adults and kids at the beginner level on Saturday mornings.
Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order.
There are so many, but one of my go-to spots is a casual place, Tommy’s Deli in White Plains. In my opinion, they make the best Italian Special in the world.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Eight-year-old me would have said firefighter, but I’m going to say general manager of a baseball or football team.
Early bird or night owl?
My inclination is to be an early bird. I’m usually up by five, and either working or working out by about 5:30. I like going to the gym early, and I value that quiet time in the morning; it’s a chance to process the day before and think through what’s ahead before everyone else is up. That usually means I crash pretty early at night.
“Best habit: Bringing full dedication and commitment to every case.”
— Christopher Meagher
Christopher Meagher
Principal Attorney
Meagher & Meagher, P.C.
He started his career as an architect, but somehow the universe felt that Christopher Meagher was meant to practice law. After transitioning into the legal field, Meagher embarked on three decades of building a reputation as one of Westchester’s most methodical, respected litigators. As principal attorney, he leads the White Plains-based boutique trial firm through complex cases, including catastrophic injuries and other high-stakes claims. Meagher’s commitment to meticulous trial preparation and mentoring attorneys and staff is a key part of the firm’s culture.
Best and worst habits? Professional or personal, up to you.
Best: Bringing full dedication and commitment to every single case we take on. Worst: Feeding all the dogs in the office human food at lunch.
Movie you’re always down to rewatch?
“Legally Blonde”
Professional advice you ignored?
Pursue a career in Big Law.
Favorite ways to spend down time?
Playing golf with my daughter, traveling with family, and any Grateful Dead show.
Go-to restaurant in Westchester?
Benjamin Steakhouse.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird.
“Best habits: Being prepared and being punctual.”
— Christopher D. Hillyer, M.D.
Christopher D. Hillyer, M.D.
President and CEO
New York Blood Center Enterprises
Since becoming President and CEO in 2009 of Rye-based New York Blood Center Enterprises, Dr. Christopher Hillyer has helped transform it into a thriving $600-million-plus entity spanning blood services, biomedical research, cellular therapies, and biomanufacturing. Under the leadership of this internationally recognized expert in hematology, transfusion medicine, transplantation, and cellular therapies, NYBCe ultimately serves or collaborates with more than 75 million people and over 400 healthcare and research partners worldwide.
Best and worst habits? Professional or personal, up to you.
Best: Being prepared and being punctual. We call it pre-crastination. Worst: Frustration with those who don’t share my sense of urgency and ownership mentality.
Movie you’re always up to rewatch?
“Margin Call,” “The Big Short,” and “Mary Poppins.”
Professional advice you ignored?
I was always told it was impossible to do research, edit books, lead programs, work on clinical wards, and learn executive administration, so I should ‘focus.’ It was critical that I did not limit myself.
Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order.
Frankie & Johnnie’s Steakhouse. Iceberg wedge, then porterhouse for two. Medium.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
President of the United States.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird!
“I love teachers so much that I still keep in touch with my fourth and fifth grade teacher, Ms. Bernice Earle, and my high school teachers, Ms. Vilma France and Mrs. Barbara Glover.”
— Jewel Williams Johnson
Jewel Williams Johnson
Legislator, District 8
Westchester County Board of Legislators
Drawing on a varied background in healthcare, nonprofit leadership and grassroots advocacy, Jewel Williams Johnson serves as Westchester County Legislator representing the 8th Legislative District. Re-elected in 2025 and now serving a third term, the White Plains resident made history as the first freshman legislator to chair the Board’s Committee on Budget & Appropriations. She has focused on issues ranging from maternal care to mental health equity. Fun fact: When she joined the Board in 2021, she succeeded her mother, the Honorable Alfreda A. Williams.
Movie you’re always up to rewatch?
I have a few, and they are wonderfully different: “Legends of the Fall,” “Crash,” “Origin,” and “Sinners.” Each one stayed with me for a reason. In my mind, they are all masterpieces.
Favorite ways to spend downtime?
On a beach with clean sand and great waves. That is peace. That is restoration. That is my joy.
Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order.
There are three in my district. The truffle burger at Mint Premium Foods in Tarrytown is absolutely to die for; I love the carne asada at Invito in Elmsford; Anasa Greek Kitchen in White Plains has the best char-grilled octopus. And, though it’s outside my district, I also love L’inizio in Ardsley. I go for the casarecce pasta and absolutely must have a basil margarita.
Podcast pick?
I’m admittedly biased, but my first pick is my own: “Cyber Safe Now,” which I co-host with the African American Men of Westchester and the Westchester Rockland Guardians Association.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
A teacher, without question. I love teachers so much that I still keep in touch with my fourth and fifth grade teacher, Ms. Bernice Earle, and my high school teachers, Ms. Vilma France and Mrs. Barbara Glover.
Early bird or night owl?
Honestly, neither. I am definitely not a night owl—my husband and I are usually asleep by 9:30 p.m. I’m up early because of my four-legged heart, Jasper, who used to get me up every morning at 6:00 am. before deciding, at 14 human years old, that sleeping in is now his right; and my years at a teaching hospital, where early mornings for didactics became part of life.
“I’m always doing something. In summer, it’s my garden, and watching or attending live sporting events or concerts.”
— Mark Franzoso
Mark Franzoso
President
Franzoso Contracting
Mark Franzoso is the rare business owner who can say he personally built his company from the ground up. What he started in 1980 with borrowed tools and a station wagon has grown into Franzoso Contracting, highly regarded by Westchester residents for a wide variety of home improvement projects. Franzoso also has a long record of supporting community organizations including Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, Purple Hearts Homes, which renovates and repairs homes for veterans, and Support Connection, a breast and ovarian cancer support group.
Early-career mistake you learned from?
Never give a price from a set of plans and then return them back to the builder.
Movie you’re always up to rewatch?
Anything with Denzel.
Professional advice you ignored?
Don’t work so much. I’m glad I ignored that advice.
Current book recommendation?
On a recent vacation I read four books by Harlan Coben, love him. Next up is something by Tess Gerritsen, another favorite, who wrote “Harvest” and “The Mephisto Club.”
Favorite ways to spend downtime?
I’m always doing something. In summer, it’s my garden, and watching or attending live sporting events or concerts.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird. I love the mornings.
“Best habit: Pursuit of perfection; worst, lack of patience.”
— Michael Spicer
Michael Spicer
President & CEO
Saint Joseph’s Medical Center
Under Michael Spicer’s thoughtful leadership, what was once a Yonkers community hospital has evolved into a fully integrated healthcare network encompassing emergency and inpatient care, behavioral health, outpatient services, and supportive housing for the elderly. Spicer, who joined Saint Joseph’s Medical Center in 1984 and has served as CEO since 2000, is the longest-serving hospital president in Westchester and has admirably overseen major capital improvements and facility expansions while managing the organization’s overall steady growth.
Best and worst habits? Professional or personal, up to you.
Pursuit of perfection; lack of patience.
Movie you’re always up to rewatch?
“Rocky.”
Favorite ways to spend down time?
Boating, golf, time with grandkids.
Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points for your go-to order.
Zuppa in Yonkers, and I’m partial to the pappardelle with veal ragu.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Professional baseball player.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird.
“Best habit: being decisive; worst, inability to focus on one thing at a time.”
— Mark Stagg
Mark Stagg
President
Stagg Group
A sizable number of affordable housing developments and mixed-use projects in our area originated with Stagg Group, founded by Mark Stagg in 1996. His community-focused firm is among the region’s leading market-rate and affordable housing developers and landlords, with a portfolio exceeding 5,000 units of housing across Westchester, the Bronx, and New York City. Giving back locally is a key element of company culture, which includes annual large-scale initiatives, such as Back-to-School Supply Drives, and holiday gift and turkey giveaways.
Early-career mistake you learned from?
Micromanaging everything.
Current book recommendation?
Al Pacino’s memoir, “Sonny Boy.”
Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order.
Tre Angelina in White Plains—I order the veal piccata.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Teacher—to make a positive impact on children’s lives.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird.
“I’m usually asleep by midnight and up at 5:15 a.m. I maximize both ends of the day to stay ahead and create uninterrupted focus time.”
— Scott A. Edelman, MBA, CPA, CFE
Scott A. Edelman, MBA, CPA, CFE
Executive Director
Burke Rehabilitation® (Member of the Montefiore Health System)
Iona University graduate Scott Edelman started working at Burke Rehabilitation in the early 1990s and grew to believe so deeply in the mission that he never moved on. He rose through the ranks from an entry-level role in the mailroom to Executive Director in 2022; under his aegis, Burke launched a multi-year strategic plan that is driving record patient volume, strong financials, and nationally recognized outcomes. He teaches and encourages next gen healthcare pros as an adjunct professor in the MBA programs at Iona, SUNY New Paltz, and Long Island University Hudson.
Movie you’re always up to rewatch?
“Catch Me If You Can” is a great lesson in auditing, controls, and how gaps in systems get exploited. It’s a reminder that strong systems and oversight matter as much as talent.
Favorite way to spend down time?
Playing in an old man’s basketball league. I’m the commissioner. It’s competitive, keeps me active, and gives me a completely different outlet.
Go-to restaurant in Westchester? Bonus points if you share what you order.
P.F. Chang’s for the Chang’s Spicy Chicken. Reliable, consistent, and has a kick!
Podcast pick?
“Becker’s Healthcare Podcast.” Quick, relevant insights that keep me current on healthcare trends.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
President of Basketball Operations & Strategy for the New York Knicks. It’s the ultimate blend of strategy, talent management, and performance under pressure.
Early bird or night owl?
Both. I’m usually asleep by midnight and up at 5:15 a.m. I maximize both ends of the day to stay ahead and create uninterrupted focus time.
“Early-career mistake: Trying to do everything by myself instead of trusting and empowering my employees.”
— Matt Rand
Matt Rand
CEO and President
Howard Hanna | Rand Realty
Matt Rand started his real estate career working with family at the Rockland County brokerage founded by his mother, Marsha Rand, which expanded into Westchester and across the Hudson Valley in the late 90s. Over more than two decades, Rand helped transform Rand Realty into one of the largest independent brokerages in the country prior to its 2020 partnership with Howard Hanna. He now leads a multi-state organization encompassing more than 120 offices and over $10 billion in annual sales volume.
Early-career mistake you learned from?
Trying to do too much myself instead of trusting and empowering the people around me.
Movie you’re always up to rewatch?
“The Wolf of Wall Street” directed by Martin Scorsese.
Current book recommendation?
”Atomic Habits” by James Clear. The author emphasizes the power of small, incremental changes.
Podcast pick?
”All-In,” an American business and technology podcast hosted by four venture capitalists: Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg. The show delivers long-form conversation about current events, markets, technology, and public policy.
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Running a beachside bar and playing guitar at sunset.
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl.
“Professional advice I ignored: Be careful about taking on too much.”
— Marco Caruso, D.C.
Marco Caruso, D.C.
Founder
Spine Care
Dr. Marco Caruso earned his doctorate from the University of Bridgeport School of Chiropractic and specializes in musculoskeletal care, soft tissue injuries, and rehabilitation programs for disc herniations. His now-multidisciplinary practice, which has grown to include Scarsdale Physical Therapy and Eastern Wellness Acupuncture, features Y-Axis Decompression Adjustment, a cutting-edge technique designed to relieve spinal compression, reduce nerve pain, and restore mobility. He also supports community schools.
Early-career mistake you learned from?
Not delegating some work responsibilities to employees and trying to do everything by myself
Best and worst habits? Professional or personal, up to you.
Being thorough with all of my records and managing every aspect of the day. It is great for business, but when it carries into my personal life, I can drive myself nuts with small details wanting everything to be perfect.
Professional advice you ignored?
Be careful about taking on too much.
Favorite way to spend down time?
Playing golf
If you could have any other job, what would it be?
F1 Racecar Driver.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird.
Related: These Wunderkinds Are Changing Westchester’s Business Scene
