WBP Development promotes three executives to new leadership positions

Chappaqua, N.Y. (April 26, 2022) — Wilder Balter Partners, a leading regional developer of market-rate and affordable housing, announced today the promotion of three executives to key leadership roles.

• James Wendling, currently Vice President of WBP Development, has been named Chief Operating Officer.
• Christopher DeThomas, currently the Chief Operating Officer of WBP’s Griffon Construction, has been named President of Griffon.
• John Bainlardi, currently Vice President of WBP Development, has been named Vice President and General Counsel.

“Since our inception, WBP Development has built and managed thousands of homes throughout the tri-state area,” said WBP Development President Bill Balter, who for the past 20 years has focused the company on market-rate, affordable and mix-income development in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley. “The promotion of Jim, Chris and John will allow them to guide our company as we roll out an additional five rental communities that are currently in the predevelopment stage. We are extremely fortunate to have these seasoned executives assume expanded roles as our growing companies move forward.

WBP Development LLC and Griffon Construction LLC trace their roots to the creation of Wilder Balter Partners 30 years ago by Bob Wilder and Bill Balter. After a 40-year career in real estate that focused on the creation of affordable housing, Bob Wilder retired at the end of 2020.

Jim Wendling, a lifelong Westchester resident, began his career at WBP Development in 2007. He has overseen ground-up developments from inception to completion, including the planning stage, governmental approval, construction, marketing, and financing. In his new role, Wendling will continue to source new deals, oversee certain WBP multifamily developments and help shape the vision, culture, and growth of WBP Development.

Chris DeThomas, of Tarrytown, has more than 30 years of construction experience and he joined Griffon four years ago as its Chief Operating Officer. DeThomas’ completed projects range from single-family communities to multi-family high-rises, making him the ideal leader for the diverse portfolio of affordable, market-rate and mixed-income communities that Griffon will continue to build for WBPD.

John Bainlardi, of Mount Kisco, joined WBP Development in 2006. He has managed the development process for multiple new housing communities from acquisition through construction, including building program and design, governmental approval, and financing. Bainlardi’s work has helped create more than 1,000 affordable and market-rate apartments throughout the Hudson Valley.

Balter noted that the announcement of the promotions comes on the same day that the company is being inducted into the Business Council of Westchester’s Hall of Fame as the 2022 Entrepreneurial Business Success Award winner. “This is a proud moment for our company and a testimony to the hard work of these three individuals and all of our talented and dedicated team who make our success possible.”