The Westchester County Office Building on Martine Avenue in White Plains was rededicated as the Edwin G. Michaelian Office Building in a ceremony this morning. The building previously had been named in Michaelian’s honor. Michaelian, who served as Westchester County Executive from 1958 to 1973 was remembered in a ceremony held on the steps of the office building this morning that highlighted his impactful leadership.
During today’s ceremony, Westchester County Executive George Latimer honored Nancy Kaboolian with the Edwin G. Michaelian Award for a Distinguished Public Official. Kaboolian is the highest-ranking Armenian American elected official in Westchester.
Latimer also gave the Edwin G. Michaelian Award for Public Service to White Plains resident John M. Vorperian for his contributions to Armenian history and culture in the county.
Latimer said he was proud recognize the accomplishments Michaelian, who was a Republican. Latimer is a Democrat.
“While we may have differed in our ideologies from administration to administration, each county executive has used their time in office to create positive change for the people who call Westchester County home,” Latimer said. “I hope today’s rededication ceremony reminds us all of the great leader Edwin Michaelian was, and encourages us to follow in his footsteps.”
Vorperian recalled that Michaelian was a true conservationist who secured for the county acres of parks enjoyed by residents to this day.
“He acted locally and thought globally,” Vorperian said. “Proud of his heritage, he helped found the Armenian Assembly of America which educates decision-makers in understanding vital issues to our community.”
Michaelian served as county executive for 16 years. During hi tenure, the new County Courthouse was built, and several large corporations including IBM, Nestle, PepsiCo, Texaco, and AT&T moved to Westchester. Under Michaelian, the county acquired more than 4,000 acres of parkland including Muscoot Farm, and a portion of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Since 1938 Westchester County has had nine county executives. Latimer recently proposed naming the Westchester County Trailway in honor of Former County Executive Andrew P. O’Rourke, and his office reports Latimer intends to celebrate the contributions of other former leaders who have played a pivotal role in Westchester County’s history.
