Antonio Cappa – Westchester Community Health Center

Antonio Cappa is the director of facilities at Westchester Community Health Center (WCHC), a dedicated nonprofit healthcare network focused on providing accessible, high-quality medical services to underserved communities across Westchester County and other widespread areas needing humane care. As a federally qualified health center and a 501(c)(3) organization, WCHC fills crucial healthcare gaps, particularly for low-income and minority populations, through a network of eight (8) locations and two (2) mobile units. Formerly known as the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center, WCHC is committed to inclusive healthcare, offering primary,  preventive, and specialty care to communities that need it most. Mr. Cappa plays a vital role within the organization by overseeing facility standards for safety, accessibility and operational efficiency. With his professional and dedicated attitude, Cappa supports WCHC’s mission to provide compassionate, dignified care in a well-maintained and welcoming environment.

Cappa’s extensive experience and understanding of healthcare facilities management enable him to handle various responsibilities skillfully, from regular maintenance to major renovations. His focus on sustainability and adaptability ensures that WCHC’s facilities are equipped to evolve with the healthcare landscape.

Transforming patient care

One of Cappa’s most impactful projects has been the multi-year renovation of WCHC’s main site in Mount Vernon. Built in the late 1970s, the facility is undergoing a comprehensive modernization, including installing updated lighting systems, modern flooring, freshly painted areas and a new elevator, to name a few, to enhance accessibility. Cappa and his team are also leading a redesign of office and exam room layouts to streamline patient flow and improve operational efficiency. This renovation is scheduled for completion in 2026 and will allow WCHC to introduce new departments while expanding its healthcare offerings and meeting the community’s growing needs. Cappa’s meticulous planning and execution are central to transforming this flagship location into a state-of-the-art facility.

In addition to the core structural upgrades, Cappa has championed the integration of advanced medical equipment throughout the facility in his short time within the company. This project transforms WCHC, providing its healthcare staff with modern tools for more accurate diagnoses and treatment options to better serve their patients.

“We have carefully coordinated each construction phase to ensure minimal disruption to patient services, involving each department in the planning process to maintain seamless care,” Cappa explains.

By balancing the logistical demands of construction, Cappa has successfully overseen one of the organization’s most significant facility upgrades and has incorporated his knowledgeable intelligence and determination toward this project.

Beyond the Mount Vernon site, Cappa has led various improvement projects across WCHC’s network of sites, each aimed at enhancing patient and staff experiences. From reconfiguring waiting areas to upgrading HVAC systems, Mr. Cappa emphasizes a proactive approach to facility management that prioritizes preventive maintenance and avoids costly disruptions. His relentless work ethic and admirable success have served as a valuable addition to the Westchester Community Health Center.

Empathy-driven management

Cappa’s leadership style is collaborative and hands-on. It is shaped by his experience as an EMT, which instilled a deep empathy for healthcare professionals. He works closely with his facilities team, fostering a supportive culture that values mutual respect and collective effort. Cappa has proven to serve as a mentor rather than just a director. He’s respected for his profound leadership toward his team, and he is committed to dedicating time and effort to their development to ensure success. His approach has built a strong sense of camaraderie and purpose within the team, motivating them to contribute fully to themselves and WCHC’s mission.

Cappa is highly selective in recruitment, seeking candidates whose skills and values align with WCHC’s commitment to compassionate healthcare. With his admirable expertise, Cappa recruits individuals with a technical background and a genuine passion for the healthcare sector. Recognizing that facilities management directly impacts patient experience, Cappa prioritizes adaptability and a commitment to growth in new hires.

“Our strategic recruitment practices have built a cohesive team that shares dedication and commitment to maintaining exceptional standards across all facility aspects,” Cappa says.

Employee retention is a core focus of Cappa’s remarkable strategy, as he recognizes that a stable, skilled team is crucial for success. He fosters an environment where team members feel valued and supported, offering mentorship and professional development opportunities to encourage growth. By investing in his team’s skills and well-being, Cappa has created a resilient and committed workforce. His leadership in recruitment, retention, and team development ensures that WCHC’s facilities management team remains highly capable and deeply invested in the community’s well-being, making a lasting impact on the organization and the communities it serves.

From EMT beginnings to facilities leadership

Cappa’s passion for healthcare began during his early years as a volunteer EMT. He quickly rose to captain and gained insight into patient care and emergency operations. This hands-on experience fostered a unique perspective that he carried into his career in facilities management and has led to his success. Transitioning to grounds management, Cappa spent six years as grounds supervisor at Marymount Manhattan College, where he built a solid foundation in maintaining large-scale facilities.

He then advanced to facilities maintenance supervisor at Kimber MFG, overseeing critical maintenance operations and ensuring safety standards, deepening his knowledge of facilities leadership. His expertise led him to Open Door Family Medical Center, a federally qualified health center, where he spent over six years aligning the facilities with the healthcare organization’s goals. His remarkable background as an EMT enabled him to bring a patient-centered approach, improving the facility’s functionality and supporting quality care.

In April 2023, Cappa joined Westchester Community Health Center as the Director of Facilities. His combined knowledge and intelligence of healthcare processes and facilities operations have allowed him to improve efficiency and productivity.

“You become what you surround yourself with. Energies are contagious, so choose carefully. Your environment will become you,” Cappa says.