James Staudt Named Chair of the Board of Directors of United Hebrew of New Rochelle

James Staudt, a partner in the law firm of McCullough, Goldberger & Staudt, LLP (MGS) in White Plains, has been named the chair of United Hebrew of New Rochelle’s Board of Directors.

In this new role, Staudt will provide leadership to the board, and help to ensure United Hebrew remains a vital organization that is true to its mission by being responsive to the wide-ranging needs of today’s seniors and an evolving healthcare environment.

United Hebrew meets the daily health and medical needs of over 1,000 seniors across its continuing care community, from those who are living independently to those with advanced healthcare needs. It encompasses a 296-bed nursing home, a seven story assisted living facility, a low income senior citizen apartment residence, an Alzheimer/Dementia facility, and facilities supporting community health outreach programs.

Converging trends—healthcare reform, advances in medicine and technology, and an aging population with more complex and chronic conditions, are resulting in a growing demand for the services United Hebrew provides, notes Staudt.

“We’re in a hugely dynamic moment for eldercare,” Staudt said. “People are living longer, they want to stay active and vibrant, and we know more about how to help them do that. With the increased need for services, United Hebrew is well-positioned to remain a leader in the industry.”

Staudt was drawn to serving on United Hebrew’s board after providing legal services to the organization. Each time he visited the campus, he noticed that every staff member—from the CEO to the custodians—stopped to engage with every resident they encountered over the course of a day. And on every floor he visited, he saw residents involved in an array of activities, such as art, music, or pet therapy. The level of engagement was significant.

Coming from a large family, Staudt said his parents were fortunate to have many individuals to help care for them in their final years. “Not every senior is so fortunate. So, it is critical for families to have access to quality caregivers and healthcare providers as they age,” he said.

Staudt noted that he expected to have a smooth transition from board member to board chair, because of the extraordinary leadership and commitment of the board’s previous leaders—some of whom served for many years, following generations of family members before them.  “I can’t take their place, but I will stand on their shoulders and carry on their work,” he says.

Staudt has practiced land use and real estate law throughout eastern New York including representation of lenders in complex building loan transactions and representation of private and public entities in land use matters. He has represented religious institutions and municipalities in RLUIPA actions and has regularly lectured on RLUIPA and other land use topics. He was General Counsel to the former Sound Federal Savings and a member of their Board of Directors.

Staudt has been an active participant in the legal community. He is a past president of the Westchester County Bar Association Foundation, a past member of the Westchester County Bar Association Attorney Client Economic Dispute Committee, and former Co-Chair of the Westchester County Bar, Real Property Section. He is admitted to the New York State Bar; U.S. District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.  Staudt received his J.D. from Villanova University School of Law and a B.A., magna cum laude, from Boston College.

“Jim Staudt has the experience, and the heart, to help guide United Hebrew as we continue to expand our reach in the region,” said Rita Mabli, President and CEO of United Hebrew of New Rochelle. “We are fortunate to have someone of his caliber at the helm.”