UGOC Spotlight: Jeff Smetana Promoted to Chief Development Officer

United Group is pleased to announce that Jeff Smetana has earned the new title of Chief Development Officer.  In this role, Jeff will continue to oversee the operations within the Development Team and collaborate with the department on future growth, including further successful developments and new opportunities for our business.
 
Jeff’s forty-year career includes experience involving over $1 billion of real estate development.  He initially joined United Group in 1998 as Executive Vice President for Development, serving in that role until 2009. During that time, he was involved with the development of several notable United Group projects including Empire Commons, The Beltrone Living Center, Annie Schaffer (currently known as Schaffer Heights), The Wallkill Living Center, University Heights College Suites, and a number of other student housing and commercial projects.  Jeff worked for the Newman Development Group in Binghamton, NY for ten years until he returned to United Group in 2019.  Over the last five years, he has directed the development of The Apex at Crossgates, The Arbella at Bramble Hill, City Station North, The Arbella at Blue Hills, and The Arbella at Ashland.  Early in his career, Jeff worked as a Certified Public Accountant for Ernst & Young.  He has a MS in Accounting from UAlbany and a BS in Economics from SUNY Oneonta.  Jeff lives with his wife Kim in Stockbridge, MA and has three children and two grandchildren. 
 
On behalf of all of us at the United Group, we are proud of his accomplishments throughout both careers with us and are thrilled to see Jeff continue in his leadership role as Chief Development Officer. 
 
Congratulations, Jeff!