Orleans Welcomes New Vice President of Product Development

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Mar 12, 2013, 02:50 ET

BENSALEM, Pa., March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Orleans Homes is pleased to announce that Ward Harris has accepted the role of Vice President of Product Development. The position will define Orleans’ product roadmap across its increasingly diverse markets, and is a key enabler of the company’s extensive expansion plans.

Mr. Harris brings to the team a deep understanding of architecture process, product, architecture and what buyers are looking for in homes, gained over his more than 20 years in the homebuilding industry. In his new role, he will refine existing products, improve process and standards, and lead the development of new product for each of the company's divisions.

"Ward understands the industry across our markets, which will enable him to develop a comprehensive suite of new products that meet, and exceed, our buyers' expectations company-wide," notes Lee Darnold, chief marketing officer.

"It's an exciting time at Orleans Homes, and I'm looking forward to making a contribution to the company's continued success," adds Harris.

Mr. Harris got his start at Savannah College of Art and Design, where he received a Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor Fine Arts in Historic Preservation. He then stayed on to complete the school's Master of Architecture program.

Ward put his considerable education to good work, quickly establishing his career at a number of prominent architecture firms in Arizona before founding his own firm. He continued to gain valuable experience and skills in key positions with industry leaders such as KB Home and Pulte Homes/Del Webb.

We are looking forward to Ward's experience in driving process improvement towards a simpler Product Development.

About Orleans Homebuilders, Inc.

Orleans Homes was founded in 1918 and is one of the oldest, continually operated homebuilders in the United States. It is committed to building thoughtfully designed homes and creating unique neighborhoods that cater to the way people live today. The company builds single family homes, townhouses, and condominiums that range in price from the upper $170,000s - $1.5 million. It is currently operating in 31 neighborhoods in 10 distinct markets: Southeastern Pennsylvania, Central and Southern New Jersey, Orange County, NY, Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro, NC, Richmond and Hampton Roads, VA, and Chicago, IL. Orleans is headquartered outside of Philadelphia and employs 160 people.