WILMORITE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- VP & Director of Corp. Security
As Vice President and Director of Corporate Security, Al is responsible for administration of the security department, which consists of over one hundred employees. His staff provides security services to Wilmorite shopping centers, office/residential complexes and other interests owned by the company. Al maintains a close relationship with the local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to address all security related events and homeland security matters.
In addition to its security company, Wilmorite maintains its own New York State approved security training school, in which Al is the director.
Al had a 27-year long career in law enforcement, most of which was served in the Town of Irondequoit. Al retired as a Sergeant in charge of the Criminal Investigations Unit in 2006. Al spent the next 10 years working for Delaware North, as the Security Director at Finger Lakes Casino and Racetrack. He joined Wilmorite in 2017, as the Site Security Manager at Eastview Mall.
Job Titles:
- Certified Public Accountant
- Controller
- Vice President
As Controller, Andrew is responsible for GAAP financial statement compliance, budget analysis, cash review and many other areas such as debt service compliance issues.
Andrew is a certified public accountant who holds a BS in accounting from the State University of New York at Geneseo. Prior to joining Wilmorite, Andrew worked as an auditor for Freed Maxick, CPAs, P.C. and Rotenberg & Co., LLP, and in internal audit and international tax for Bausch and Lomb. Andrew has also served on the boards of multiple local not-for-profit organizations and was a Rochester Business Journal "Forty under 40" honoree.
Job Titles:
- Senior Counsel
- Senior Legal Counsel and Risk Manager
Cecilia serves as Senior Legal Counsel and Risk Manager for Wilmorite. She began her career with Wilmorite in 1997 as a Litigation Manager, responsible for management and oversight of the company's negligence litigation. Her current duties involve oversight and counsel on general legal matters, contract review, legal compliance, and litigation. Cecilia is also responsible for coordination of the company's captive insurance program.
Cecilia earned her B.A from the University of Rochester and JD from Case Western Reserve School of Law. Prior to joining Wilmorite she practiced personal injury litigation in Cleveland, Ohio. Cecilia is a member of the Monroe County Bar Association, Pro Bono Attorney for Just Cause (formerly Volunteer Legal Services Project) and member of the Board of Directors of Ontario Insurance Company.
After graduating from a local college with a degree in Computerized Drafting & Design, Chris worked for
Since receiving his Civil Engineering degree from Pennsylvania State University, Dennis has been working in the construction industry for more than 40 years. Prior to joining Wilmorite in 2001, he gained progressive experience working for a general contractor on major commercial and institutional projects. In his previous positions with Wilmorite, he has been a Project Manager and a Vice President of Construction for an affiliate company. As Project Director at Wilmorite, Dennis is responsible for managing development and construction for major projects. His responsibilities include oversight of permitting and design development processes as well as the management of preconstruction and construction activities.
His achievements and solid experience have provided him with the background to successfully deliver challenging projects. Most recently he has been focused on the development and construction of large scale casino and resort projects.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Construction
Eric started his career with Wilmorite as an intern in the construction department while in college.
Following his graduation from Clarkson University, Eric joined the Wilmorite team full time as a Project
Engineer. Since then, he has worked on a variety of projects as a Project Manager and Director of Tenant Coordination before being named Vice President of Construction. Eric has successfully managed projects ranging in size from $1,000,000 to $450,000,000.
As Vice President of Construction, Eric oversees all new development and construction including the
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Operations
As Vice President of Operations, Greg's primary responsibility is to oversee Wilmorite's Property Management Division including long-term strategic planning and on-site operations. He also manages the company's information technology initiatives.
Greg leads the Property Strategic Planning Committee which governs the approval and implementation of each property's business plan. He also chairs the Operations Group Committee which supervises the on-site operations for all Wilmorite's real estate properties. These responsibilities include Mall Operations, Security, Human Resources, Marketing and Risk Management. He is also involved in establishing and maintaining relationships with regional and national service accounts. Greg has an M.B.A. from the University of Rochester's William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration.
Greg is a certified public accountant who holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo. After graduating summa cum laude from Buffalo in 1991, Greg worked in the audit and consulting departments of Price Waterhouse. He then worked for Chapman, Collins, Agostinelli and Shaw prior to joining Wilmorite in 1996.
Job Titles:
- General Manager, Golden Nugget Casino
- Golden Nugget Danville 's General Manager
Jahnae brings more than 30 years of gaming, racing, hospitality and entertainment expertise to the Golden Nugget Danville project, including solid operating experience for several significant gaming & racing companies in two different jurisdictions. She also has direct experience in overall facility planning, development and construction, and the oversight of opening and expansion related projects.
An industry veteran, Erpenbach began her gaming career in 1992, opening Players Island Casino in Metropolis, Illinois - one of the first riverboats to offer gaming in the Midwest. Since then, she has held senior management positions including CEO, Board Chairperson, Executive Vice President of Operations, General Manager of Gaming and Senior Vice President of Marketing. She holds multiple degrees in the areas of communications, journalism, psychology, and public relations.
As Golden Nugget Danville's General Manager, Erpenbach will oversee day-to-day operations and Community Outreach initiatives, with a mission to remain deeply involved in local activities. Throughout her career she has served on numerous boards for chambers, associations, visitors bureaus, economic development groups, charities, governmental advisory panels. In addition, Erpenbach has received prestigious awards and recognition for her industry leadership and community involvement.
Job Titles:
- President, Casino Development
Jimmy is one of the co-founders of The Wish List Society at the University of Rochester's Wilmot Cancer Center. The Wish List Society is a group of young professionals who came together to support the Wilmot Cancer Center's Patient Needs Program. The Patient Needs ‘wish list' consists of actual items and equipment needed at the cancer center facility. It also includes gift cards and cash items since a cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a devastating effect on a patient's finances.
Jim has played a major role in Wilmorite's growth and success over the past thirty years. As Chief Operating Officer, Jim provides strategic direction to all divisions within Wilmorite. Jim previously served as Executive Vice President and Senior Vice President of Operations, where he administered mall operations, acquisitions, expansions, and renovations for fifteen shopping centers.
Jim's particular expertise in leasing, operations, and commercial real estate is paired with his long-term commitment to the company, its clients, and the Wilmorite team. He has contributed greatly to Wilmorite's continuing growth, while not losing sight of the company's roots.
Jim has diversified business interests that extend beyond real estate and include being a past President of Cobblestone Creek Country Club and current board member. Jim was previously a corporate pilot and became Vice President at Page Avjet Corporation, which is now known as Signature Aviation. He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Janice's background includes over twenty years in the commercial real estate and shopping center industry. She is responsible for developing and implementing strategic marketing plans, budgeting, advertising, and internal/external communications for Wilmorite. This extends to corporate-wide branding, promotions, social media initiatives, public relations, digital and website administration, and community involvement.
Oversight of the marketing program includes working with all divisions within the company including leasing, construction, development, and on-site marketing. Janice generates and analyzes industry market research data, formulating target audiences, trade areas, and consumer profiles to attract, retain and inform existing and prospective clients. This data is then translated into high-quality marketing pieces.
Janice began with Wilmorite as a Marketing Director at Eastview Mall and has held several marketing positions within the company. She is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, a Senior Certified Retail Property Executive and has a Master's Degree in Management from Nazareth College.
As leasing representative, Jay's focus is on researching new prospects and transitioning them into successful operators. Jay has worked as a finance manager and sales consultant, where his focus on client satisfaction and thorough follow-up resulted in repeat business and referrals. He draws on this expertise to help clients navigate through the leasing process and keep the lines of communication open.
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
As Director of Human Resources Jim is responsible for guiding and managing the overall provision of human resources services, policies, and programs for Wilmorite. His major areas of concentration include: oversight of benefits (health care, life insurance, and 401K plans), employee relations, and employee training.
Assistant Director of Human Resources, Regional Property Manager, and General Manager of The Mall at Greece Ridge. His background is in operations, and he has a Bachelor's Degree in Management and Psychology with a concentration in Human Resources from St. John Fisher College. Jim also has a graduate certificate from Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President and Director of Leasing
Jon joined Wilmorite's leasing team in December 2018, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. Throughout his career, Jon has established long-standing relationships with national retailers and restaurants, including securing some of the most recognizable names in the industry and introducing them to the Upstate New York market.
As Senior Vice President and Director of Leasing, Jon leads the leasing team and is instrumental in all negotiations. He plays a key role in the tenant mix and overall vision for each property.
As a Leasing Representative, Kara is responsible for identifying new tenants and negotiating lease renewals. Her primary focus is on prospecting for emerging concepts to bring to the market; including but not limited to restaurants, entertainment concepts, big box and small shop retailers. Cultivating relationships with national, regional, and local tenants is a core component of her role.
Kara has been with Wilmorite for over 20 years in a variety of roles including Mall Marketing/Operations and Lease Compliance in which she has developed strong relationships with tenants and the local community.
Job Titles:
- Director of Specialty Leasing
- Specialty Leasing Director
As Specialty Leasing Director, Karen is responsible for the management and growth of the specialty leasing program. Her, along with her team, identify, evaluate, and negotiate specialty leasing deals for Wilmorite properties. Her responsibilities include, prospecting and canvassing new retail business, setting budget and income objectives for the program and executing a leasing strategy which meets those goals and maximizes tenant occupancy.
Prior to Karen beginning her career at Wilmorite, she held several management positions in large corporate and most recently worked as a Market Research Analyst for a large real estate development company.
Karen's achievements and past experiences have provided her with the background to successfully complete intricate deals and make her an asset to the Wilmorite team.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager / Tenant Coordinator
With 29 years of experience in the construction industry, Karl has experience working with A&E
Ken Start - Chief Legal Officer
Ken is responsible for the drafting, review and negotiation of leases, contracts, and agreements, in addition to providing legal advice and support on leasing matters and real estate transactions.
Ken joined Wilmorite in May of 2023 after 15 years of practicing as a commercial real estate attorney in New York, NY, representing clients in the purchase, sale, financing, development, and leasing of real property. He also served as an Administrative Law Judge with the New York City Department of Finance.
Ken earned his B.A. from SUNY at Binghamton and J.D. from Boston University School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey.
Kollin graduated from Clarkson University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and began his career with a large national general contractor right out of college. Prior to joining the Wilmorite team, Kollin traveled the country managing large-scale commercial construction as a Project Manager. Over the years he successfully managed projects ranging from $25,000,000 to $330,000,000 in the fields of industrial/process, medical, warehouse, and multi-family/mixed use.
As Sr. Project Manager, Kollin helps manage all things construction from new builds to site renovations including project budgeting, schedule management, design, and tenant coordination.
Job Titles:
- Representative
- Leasing Representative
As Leasing Representative at Wilmorite, Mike is responsible for new tenant procurement, as well as lease renewals for existing tenants. This requires a heavy focus on tenant prospecting, deal negotiations and staying up-to-date on emerging concepts to bring to the market.
Mike joined Wilmorite in October of 2021 after 19 years of retail entrepreneurship. Mike began his career at Hallmark Cards where he worked in store management, business development and marketing. Mike was the Rochester, NY area developer and franchisee for Camille's Sidewalk Café, a fast-casual restaurant chain. Mike's three Camille's locations were in the top 10 in sales of over 100 locations and he was awarded Rookie of The Year by the franchisor. Mike co-founded Premier Laser Spa which grew to 23 locations in 13 states. Premier Laser Spa sold to LightRx Face & Body. Mike joined LightRx as the Executive VP of Business Development and led site selection and construction for more than 25 new locations. Mike is currently the co-founder of Sweet Pea which offers chef-prepared, home-delivered, plant-based meals and health coaching.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Leasing
As Vice President of Leasing at Wilmorite, Morgan is responsible for new tenant procurement, as well as lease renewals for existing tenants. This requires a heavy focus on tenant prospecting, deal negotiations and staying up-to-date on the local retail market.
After serving nine years as a NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Pyramid Brokerage Company of Rochester, Inc. In her previous position, Morgan specialized in retail, landlord and tenant representation primarily in Upstate New York.
Morgan is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers
Job Titles:
- Specialty Leasing Representative
Owen's focus is to identifying innovative local businesses for inline spaces, kiosks, and RMU locations. He has expertly pinpointed retailers and successfully provided those businesses with options and the flexibility to customize their space to fit their needs and vision. He has placed several locals, start-ups and pop-ups in ideal locations. Owen has built a rapport with local business owners who have become repeat customers renewing and extending leases for longer terms.
He is also a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, which he has used to connect with national operators.
Paul currently serves on the Board of Directors for Rochester Malls, LLC, an entity that currently operates three super-regional shopping centers and two power centers in Upstate New York. This division has developed more than 30 million square feet of retail space over the past 30 years in major east coast markets.
As Partner in the gaming division, Paul has worked on the development of gaming initiatives in New York, California and Oklahoma. Most notably, Buena Vue Hotel and Casino in California and Del Lago Casino in New York.
The student housing division has seen tremendous growth over the past few years. As Managing Partner, Paul has overseen the completion of projects on six different college campuses in five years totaling just under $200 million. Both the $77 million mixed-use Park Point at RIT project (950+ beds & 65,000 sq. ft. of retail space), and the most recent, $17 million Park Point Syracuse student housing project (224 beds on-campus) opened 100% pre-leased with a waiting list.
The Wilmorite construction and development team has expertise in building shopping centers, academic facilities, hospitality, and casino resorts. As President of Wilmorite Construction and Development, Paul not only oversees all phases of the construction process, but also facilitates the design, appropriate approvals (town, county, IDA and environmental), financing, construction, and management services. To ensure the client's expectations are exceeded, Paul works directly with the client, from the pre-construction phase through the completion of the project.
On a personal level, Paul is active in the community and still loyal to his alma maters. He is an active alumnus and on the Advisory Council at the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University. Paul is a member of the New York State Troopers Signal 30 Board. He sits on the Board at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester Medical Center and was recently named Assistant Treasurer of the James P. Wilmot Foundation.
Job Titles:
- VP of Real Estate Legal Affairs
Teresa joined Wilmorite in 1988. Teresa is responsible for the drafting, review and negotiation of leases, lease modification agreements and other ancillary agreements with national, regional and local tenants for space in regional enclosed malls, strip centers and power centers. Her responsibilities also include lease enforcement and litigation.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- President
- Member of the Rochester
Tom began at Wilmorite in 1970 as a project manager, became President in 1980, and has served as Chairman of the Board since 1998. He has been an integral part of the company's success throughout his career. During his tenure, Wilmorite has developed more than 30,000,000 square feet of retail, office, hotel, airport, and convention facilities in nine states. In the 1980's, as President of Wilmorite, Tom aggressively doubled the company's retail portfolio.
Tom's strategic vision for Wilmorite has lead to continued growth and diversification. He has built upon the company's past successes, while embarking on new ventures that are outside the traditional realm, such as the gaming industry and university mixed-use projects.
Tom is a leading member of the Rochester community serving as a member of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce; and as a Trustee of Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Rochester, Syracuse University, and the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center. He is also a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Tom has led his team through the development of two resort and gaming properties - Buena Vue, Ione, California and First Council, Newkirk, Oklahoma. Tom acts as Wilmorite's liaison to capital markets, providing guidance on all regulatory issues including those related to assets, tax, and financing.
Tom began his career at Wilmorite in finance and ventured into the gaming industry by opening the company's west coast office. Throughout his tenure, Tom has established long-term lasting relationships with politicians, activists, lobbyists, local community groups and Native American Tribe members. His responsibilities envelop all facets of the gaming industry from government approvals, environmental issues, gaming jurisdiction to community concerns. Through Tom's foresight, diligence and complex knowledge of the gaming industry, Wilmorite has been able to successfully break through the many barriers that are involved with large scale resort and casino developments.
Tom graduated from Skidmore College with a B.S. in Business and is on the Skidmore Presidential Advisory Council of 100. He is on the Al Sigl Center Finance Committee and an active member of the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center Fund Raising Committee.
In his current role as Vice President of Finance, Tyler's responsibilities include identifying new casino development opportunities, and assisting in the oversight of current gaming activity. In this role, Tyler oversees all accounting operations, the gathering and analyzing of financial data, and preparing financial reports. Tyler was part of the development and grand opening opening team for Golden Nugget Danville in 2023 in Illinois.
Tyler graduated from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester in 2015 with an MBA in Finance. Prior to joining Wilmorite, he worked at del Lago Resort & Casino in Tyre, New York for 6 years, opening the property with duties of Director of Financial Operations. Prior to his time at del Lago Tyler also worked 5 years in wealth management at Cobblestone Capital Advisors in Pittsford, New York.
Tyler currently serves on the Hospitality Board at Monroe Community College where he also serves as an adjunct professor is Business.