Westchester Institute for Human Development Starts New Chapter

One of the most trusted advocates and providers of comprehensive services for people with disabilities, children, and families is starting a new chapter in its history.

Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD), a BCW member, will be moving from its 20 Plaza West location in Valhalla to a new, more modern facility at 80 Grasslands Road in Elmsford. This coincides with the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Tricia Patrick, who will lead the agency as it moves into the future.

The Business Council of Westchester (BCW) is proud to celebrate this exciting new chapter for our valued member, the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD). For more than 75 years, WIHD has been a vital resource for individuals with disabilities, children, and families throughout our region, providing essential services and advocating for a more inclusive and accessible community. The BCW congratulates Dr. Tricia Patrick on her appointment as CEO and applauds the organization’s commitment to expanding its reach through a new, state-of-the-art headquarters in Elmsford. We also recognize the tremendous contributions of Dr. Susan Fox and Dr. Ansley Bacon, whose leadership helped lay the foundation for this milestone. The BCW strongly supports WIHD’s continued growth and mission, recognizing the essential role organizations like WIHD play in strengthening Westchester’s healthcare infrastructure, supporting families, and ensuring that all members of our community have opportunities to thrive. We look forward to seeing all that WIHD accomplishes in this exciting next chapter!

“This move represents much more than a new building. It reflects WIHD’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of people with disabilities, children, and families across our community. As we begin this next chapter, we are building on more than 75 years of impact while creating new opportunities to expand our services, strengthen partnerships, and improve lives. I am honored to lead WIHD at such an exciting moment in its history,” said

Dr. Patrick. “We are deeply grateful to the many supporters whose generosity made this vision possible, and to the leadership of retired CEO Dr. Ansley Bacon, whose vision helped shape the organization WIHD is today, and Dr. Susan Fox, whose leadership and determination were instrumental in bringing this transformational project to fruition.”

Dr. Patrick is a highly accomplished public health leader and academic with more than two decades of experience in epidemiology, health services research, and program leadership. She holds a Doctor of Public Health in Epidemiology from New York Medical College and has built a distinguished career that bridges research, clinical outcomes, and population health. Her progressive leadership roles at WIHD—including Director of Research and Chief Academic Officer and Co-UCEDD Director—demonstrate a strong track record of advancing organizational strategy, research innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Patrick began as CEO in July, succeeding Dr. Susan Fox, who has led the agency since 2016. One of WIHD’s major goals during that time has been to move the organization to new, more modern, accessible quarters from the building where it has been headquartered since the 1970s.

The new, expanded location at 80 Grasslands Road in Elmsford will provide a modern, accessible environment and allow WIHD to reduce waiting lists for integrated medical, dental, and therapeutic care that are in high demand. The Capital Campaign – Westchester Institute for Human Development is ongoing, but WIHD hopes to move into its new headquarters by early 2027.

“I feel so fortunate to have led this amazing organization for the past decade,” Dr. Fox said. “With the move to WIHD’s new home, the time is right for a new leader to take WIHD into its next chapter, and Dr. Patrick is that person.”

Westchester Institute for Human Development

As one of 68 University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD) is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities, children with developmental and healthcare needs, and their families through professional education, direct service provision, and innovative research. First established in 1950, WIHD moved to Westchester County, NY in 1972 and has been a key regional resource providing a wide range of medical, dental, clinical, and social services to individuals with disabilities, children, families and professionals. For more information, go to www.wihd.org.