COO Ravitz to Retire; Former New Rochelle Mayor Bramson To Join Biz Council of Westchester Staff
RYE BROOK, NY— The Business Council of Westchester announced on June 5 a significant leadership transition as John Ravitz, the organization’s longtime Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will retire effective Dec. 31, 2026, after 15 years of dedicated service to the Westchester business community. Noam Bramson, the former Mayor of New Rochelle, has been named Executive Vice President, Government Affairs and Economic Development, and will assume the role beginning July 1, 2026.
Ravitz has been a tireless advocate for the region’s business community at the local, county, state, and federal levels.
Among the signature advocacy initiatives Ravitz created and championed during his tenure The LEAP Program, a groundbreaking initiative connecting BCW members with elected officials and key decision-makers to advance pro-business policy; The Coalition for Smart Development, advocating for responsible, business-friendly land use and development policies across Westchester; The Coalition for Westchester County Airport, protecting and promoting one of the region’s most vital economic assets and The Clean Energy Action Coalition, positioning Westchester businesses at the forefront of the clean energy transition while advocating for pragmatic, business-sensitive energy policy.
These programs, along with countless other initiatives developed under Ravitz’s direction, have elevated the BCW into a nationally recognized model for business advocacy—an organization that business associations across New York State and beyond look to for leadership and inspiration.
Ravitz said, “Fifteen years ago, Marsha asked me to take the advocacy program and make it my own—to raise its visibility and grow it in scope. I’m proud of what we built together. I know that Noam will do the same, bringing his vast experience as mayor of one of our largest cities to advocate for our members at every level of government.”
Prior to joining the BCW, Ravitz served six terms as a New York State Assemblyman representing the East Side of Manhattan. During his twelve years in the legislature, he served as Assistant Minority Leader and Assistant Minority Whip, was the ranking member of the Health Committee, and served on the Higher Education, Education, Mental Health, and Children and Families committees.
Ravitz also served as Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross in Westchester County and Chief Operating Officer of the American Red Cross Greater New York Region, where he oversaw disaster response, health and safety, international services, and support to military families. In Westchester, the Red Cross under his watch trained more than 18,000 people annually in lifesaving courses, responded to more than 100 local disasters each year, and served more than 170 military families. Earlier in his career, he served as Executive Director of the New York City Board of Elections, overseeing all five borough offices and a staff of 350.
BCW President and CEO Dr. Marsha Gordon said, “We will all miss John deeply. He has been a role model not only for our organization but for business associations throughout the state and beyond, setting the gold standard for how to represent members effectively at every level of government. He has developed countless initiatives that have defined the BCW and made us what we are today. He will be greatly missed.”
She continued, “At the same time, we could not be more enthusiastic about welcoming Noam Bramson to our team. His experience as mayor of one of Westchester County’s most dynamic cities, and his first-hand role in overseeing its extraordinary economic transformation, makes him an outstanding choice to fill John’s very big shoes. We are so proud and pleased to have him join us.”
Bramson served as Mayor of New Rochelle from January 2006 through December 2023. As mayor, he spearheaded a nationally recognized public-private housing and economic development framework that dramatically revitalized New York’s seventh largest city and is now on track to produce more than 10,000 housing units. Mayor Bramson led New Rochelle through the first COVID outbreak in the eastern United States, earning widespread acclaim for his calm and confident leadership in the face of crisis. He was also instrumental in securing for New Rochelle the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors Challenge.
From January 2024 through March 2026, he served as Executive Director of Sustainable Westchester, a nonprofit intermunicipal consortium focused on climate and clean energy solutions. In this capacity, he worked closely with BCW’s Clean Energy Action Coalition and with state, county, and local leaders across the region.
Bramson is a graduate of Harvard University, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in public policy. A lifelong resident of New Rochelle, he is a product of the New Rochelle public schools.
“As a creative thought leader, effective advocate, and strategic bridge-builder, the BCW has been indispensable to Westchester County and New York State,” Bramson said. “The BCW’s talented board and staff have not only promoted the region’s economic vitality but also ensured that the business community is aligned with and helps drive the broader civic, social, and environmental progress of our county. I am thrilled to join the incomparable Marsha Gordon in this essential mission, and especially grateful to have the opportunity to learn from John Ravitz, as he concludes his exceptional service.”
