Michael J. Uccellini
Chief Executive Officer
The United Group of Companies, Inc.
About Us
United Group is a full-service, vertically integrated leader in real estate development and management with over 50 years of industry expertise. Our mission is to develop, build and acquire vibrant communities where our residents, investors, partners, and commercial clients feel welcome, connected, and fulfilled. Our commitment to innovation sets us apart and is evident in our award-winning lifestyle programs. We firmly believe that where you live, and work, should be an experience that enriches and improves your life. United Group provides a place to call home and a space where businesses thrive in all communities we join.
Meet the Leadership Team
Michael J. Uccellini
Chief Executive Officer
As President and CEO of The United Group of Companies, Inc. (“United Group”), Michael Uccellini oversees a full-service real estate company specializing in the development, finance, construction, acquisition and management of real estate. He has spearheaded over $3 billion in real estate development, acquisitions and financing transactions. Currently, Michael is directing the development, construction and financing of $350 million in senior, multifamily, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
Michael directs a staff of over 300 professionals at United Group. As Manager of United Plus Property Management, LLC., AMO®, Michael directs the asset and property management of a $1 billion multi-family, senior, student and commercial portfolio for United Group and third-party clients, of nearly six million square feet.
Michael holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lally School of Management and Technology in Troy, New York. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Managerial Economics from Union College in Schenectady, New York.
Michael is active with a variety of community and national organizations. He is a Trustee of St. Gregory’s School for Boys, Loudonville, New York, and an Executive Member of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Executive Council. He is a Board Member of the Center for Economic Growth, Albany, NY and Hudson Valley Pattern For Progress. Michael holds the designations of CPM®, COS® and is a past Chair of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) National FHAB and LPP National Committees as well as a former Chapter President. He is also a member of several Real Estate related organizations (IREM, BOMA, ICSC, US Green Building Council, AUSA, ACUHO-I, NAR, NAHB and others).
Tracey Poissant
Chief Financial Officer
With more than 20 years of experience in financial management, Tracey A. Poissant, CPA oversees and manages the Accounting Department processes, efficiencies, and personnel as CFO of the United Group of Companies, Inc. This includes United Group’s residential real estate portfolio, comprised of multi-family, senior, and government-assisted apartment home communities, as well as its commercial portfolio containing Class-A office space and diverse mixed-use facilities. Prior to United Group, Tracey served as Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller at Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan where she supervised a team of managers and directors, and led various finance strategic projects and initiatives. Tracey graduated Cum Laude from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh’s School of Business, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting.
Michael DiGiacomo
Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer with 17 years of experience, Mike DiGiacomo oversees corporate operations and asset management of United Group’s senior, student, multifamily and commercial portfolios.
Prior to his current position, Mike was the Vice President of Operations overseeing the Regional Management team, site operations and Field Marketing. Previous to that Mike was the Vice President of Student and Senior, and oversaw the management and operations of United’s student and senior housing portfolio. Mike managed a team of more than 25 employees and also had responsibilities for two local commercial properties. He had previously been a Regional Manager overseeing all senior properties, an Operations Manager at College Suites at City Station and Schuyler Commons, Property Manager at Schuyler Commons, and Property Manager at Schaffer Heights.
Before joining United, he was a Property Manager for Gross and Cohen LLC, where he directed site operations for off-campus student housing properties in New York and Kentucky.
Mike was awarded the institute of Real Estate Managements CPM of the year award in 2020, earned his CPM in 2017, is TCS certified, earned an Associate’s degree from Fulton Montgomery Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from Excelsior College.
Joan Cavanaugh
Chief Human Resources Officer
Joan Cavanaugh is a twenty-six year veteran of human resource management. Twelve of those years have been as the leader of United Group’s Human Resources Division for over 300 employees. Joan’s expertise includes managing recruitment, talent acquisition, employee relations, leadership and employee development, succession planning, organizational effectiveness, change management, compensation and benefits administration. Joan plays a valuable role effectively integrating business strategy and planning, and translating business plans into operational Human Resource programming. Additionally, she provides oversight of Corporate Administration including corporate office operations. Under Joan’s direction the company has enriched benefit offerings to employees from traditional to pioneering over the last decade. Joan launched the company’s first Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the first dedicated Wellness Program In Good Health for United’s employees. Joan has been responsible for implementing a dynamic and sustainable HR environment to ensure readiness for growth of the organization through sound management and the implementation of on-line, web based tools and applications. The On Boarding program for newly hired employees, as well as the creation of a Performance Management Process that ensures employees are focused on core competencies and desired behavioral expectations, has created emerging entrepreneurial spirited employees who can visualize their success within the organization. Joan has also implemented training programs, and partnered with industry professionals, to provide continuous support and growth to United’s employees. As a senior member of a Task Force especially designed to bring new construction and newly acquired product on line, Joan managed the pre and post opening activities for new luxury properties for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide and has provided HR leadership and support for 15 of United Group’s newly developed residential and commercial properties throughout her tenure. Joan’s earlier career experience includes serving in leadership roles in both the hospitality and higher education sectors. She has served as adjunct faculty teaching human resource management. She understands the importance of continually building the skills and knowledge required to be effective in a changing world of work. Joan holds an Associate’s Degree in Arts & Sciences, General Business from Russell-Sage Junior College of Albany, and State Teaching Certification, State Board of Directors for Community Colleges of Arizona.
Jeffrey Smetana
Chief Development Officer
Jeff has over 38-years of experience in real estate development, construction, property management, finance and accounting, including new development and acquisition of deals encompassing over 5 million square feet, with $900 million in projects costs and $700 million in financing. His work has included multi-family, senior housing, student housing, mixed use and commercial projects involving diverse forms of financing including conventional, tax-exempt, various tax credit programs and a variety of equity structures.
At United, Jeff is responsibly for all phases of project development, including opportunity assessment, planning, entitlements, design development, financial modeling, construction budgeting, project management and construction and permanent financing.
Jeff has a Masters Degree in Accounting from the University at Albany and a BS in Economics from SUNY Oneonta. He worked previously as a certified public accountant for Ernst & Young.
Thomas H. Uccellini
Executive Vice President
Thomas H. Uccellini has led our development team for more than 24 years and focused on development and construction management for over 50. He has made his mark primarily in senior and student communities: his portfolio includes nearly 1.7 million of square feet of student housing (estimated development value $236 million) and 3.5 million square feet of senior housing ($341 million). He also has substantial experience in the development of office buildings and laboratory facilities.
In his capacity as Executive Vice President, Tom oversees every phase of our residential and commercial projects, including site selection, design development, municipal approvals, code review, cost analysis, and construction management. Before joining United Development Corp., he owned and operated a private general contracting company for over 20 years.
Tom is a graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is also a licensed certified general contractor in the state of Florida.
The United Group Difference
Relationship-Focused
There’s a reason we have such long-term relationships with customers, investors, employees, and other stakeholders. We truly care about maintaining these connections and deliver white-glove customer service to do so.
Specialized Experience
United Group doesn’t just develop anything that comes along. Our expert staff specializes in developing superior senior, multi-family, and student housing with a deep history of success.
Resident-First Mentality
We believe that our commitment to building and managing with our residents’ best interests in mind is what makes us great. By providing great value and service, we set our communities apart from others.
Longevity
50 years for any company is a lot, particularly in the real estate industry. United Group has always stayed in the same family and is now run by the second generation of the Uccelli family.
What Drives Us
We exist for one reason — to provide incredible value to our customers and stakeholders. For residents, that means providing an unparalleled living experience. For investors, our customer-first approach sets us apart and helps us deliver maximum returns. For our partners, our specialized experience and customer focus increase asset value that other firms can’t match.
