Award-Winning Property Management

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.

Francine Bass

Vice President of Sales

An industry veteran with over 20 years of experience managing and leasing up multi-family and senior living communities, Francine Bass brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to her role as United Group’s Vice President of Sales. With a proven track record of success in all phases of real estate and property management, including sales, marketing, operations, training, market analysis, asset optimization and acquisitions, Francine plays an integral role in developing and maintaining vibrant communities, advancing sales and turning leads into leases.

In her position with United Group, Francine specializes in generating and fostering an active and growing pipeline of leads, matching prospective residents to their new homes and supporting sales and site teams throughout various stages of lease up efforts. Her creative strategies and in-depth understanding of real estate and property management have proven integral in attracting and retaining residents and have laid the foundation for prolonged success at luxury communities across the country. As a manager, Francine believes giving her colleagues the tools they need to grow and succeed to be crucially important, putting an emphasis on team building, talent development and mentorship.

Previously, Francine served as the Assistant Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Allegro Senior Living, managing a diverse portfolio of over 1,100 active adult units from pre-lease through stabilization, leading investor and internal reporting efforts and developing and implementing strategies designed to optimize team performance and results. Francine also played a key role overseeing talent development and career advancement as Altman Management Company’s Director of Associate Development from 2013-16. From 2009-12, Francine’s role as Greystar Real Estate Service’s Community Manager further rounded out her industry expertise, earning her Manager of the Year honors for the Southeast Region, among other organizational accolades.

Francine has a Bachelor of Science in Management from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. She is also a licensed real estate broker in the State of Illinois.

Jonathan Kaplan

Vice President of Asset Management

As the Vice President of Asset Management, Jonathan Kaplan oversees the rapidly growing portfolio of assets from a cash flow and financial statement perspective.

Jonathan Kaplan joined United Group with more than fourteen years of experience in the real estate industry. He’s previously led operations, public relations, marketing initiatives, and communications efforts within the fields of conventional multi-family, student housing and the hospitality industry.Prior to his career with United Group, Jonathan was a Regional Manager for Morgan Communities, overseeing stabilized and lease-up multi-family communities throughout New York State. He’s also worked with both privately held organizations and REITS throughout his professional career. Jonathan has earned his CPM from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).

Joanne DiMarco

Vice President of Lifestyle & Commercial Leasing

Joanne oversees United Group's award-winning lifestyle programs: the SUN Program (senior), Live. Learn. Relax. (student), and FUN Program (multifamily).

Joanne is also responsible for commercial leasing initiatives across the country. Her career began in the hospitality industry, where she was “Disney born and Marriott raised.” Joanne began her real estate career over 20 years ago in commercial leasing. She transitioned into residential real estate serving as Executive Vice President and Corporate Real Estate Broker for Select Sotheby’s International Realty where she grew top line from $28 to $178 million in five years.

Joanne is a graduate of Paul Smith’s College with a degree in Hospitality Management. She is also a Licensed Real Estate Broker in New York State.

Erin VanDeusen

Director of Operations

Erin VanDeusen is the Director of Operations at United Group, overseeing the Regional Manager team, as well as systems and processes that drive operational excellence across our portfolio. Having previously served as a Regional Manager, her product knowledge, client relationships, and hands-on experience in the field help in improving efficiency and driving results throughout our management organization.Prior to her role as Regional Manager, Erin served as an Assistant Property Manager and Property Manager at Glenmont Abbey Village in Glenmont, NY, and helped stabilize leasing initiatives through a new ownership transition. Erin had previously worked as a Field Marketing Manager and United Group’s Office Manager. Erin received a Bachelor’s Degree from the State University of New York at Albany with a concentration in Communication and English. She earned her ARM credential from the Institute of Real Estate Management, and is currently working on her CPM certification. Erin has also earned a Bachelor’s Degree from United University.

Corey Deame

Director of Marketing Services

As Director of Marketing Services, Corey Deame oversees the creative services for United Group’s marketing department, including the oversight of public relations, brand strategy, design, copywriting, marketing technologies, web design, and social media management. Providing creative direction for United Group’s senior, student, multi-family, and commercial portfolios, in addition to the various corporate identities.

Corey has experienced a forward trajectory within United Group. Starting in 2015 as the Senior Graphic Designer, he was soon promoted to Marketing Manager and eventually moved into his current role.

Corey brings 16 years of marketing creative and analytical experience to United Group. Prior to joining United Group, Corey led the marketing efforts for El Mondo, an online golf apparel retailer, and Evident Technologies, a nanotechnology start-up specializing in quantum dot semiconductors.

Corey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Media, Arts and Communications from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on marketing from the University at Albany.

Ashley Wysocarski

Director of Field Marketing & Sales

Marybeth Riscica

Sr. Regional Manager

Julie Bohl

Regional Manager

Jenny Gleason

Regional Manager

Stacey Spinner

Regional Manager

Stacey Spinner currently holds the position of Regional Manager at United Group, where she oversees a diverse portfolio of multifamily and income-based assets situated in Northern New York. Her tenure at the company has been marked by a remarkable journey of professional growth and commitment.

In her early years at United Group, Stacey demonstrated her dedication and expertise through various pivotal roles, including a significant tenure as a Senior Property Manager within the Parkstead Portfolio. Stacey's association with United Group began in 2006, initially under the purview of a military lease with the Department of Justice. This affiliation continued until 2008, whereupon Stacey played a pivotal role in facilitating the transition of the portfolio from an exclusive military focus to one that was open to the civilian population, showcasing her adaptability and strategic acumen.

One of the notable milestones in Stacey's career was the achievement of her Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) in December 2022, a testament to her commitment to professional excellence and continuous self-improvement. Stacey Spinner's impressive journey within the real estate and property management sector exemplifies her dedication, versatility, and her significant contributions to the success of the United Group.

E. Graham Thompson

Regional Manager

As Commercial Regional Manager, Graham Thompson is responsible for overseeing approximately 750,000 square feet of United Group’s Commercial portfolio, including United Realty Management Corp., The United Group of Companies, Inc., and third-party clients. Graham is a trained and experienced civil engineer with over fifty years of experience in professional real estate development and management, including commercial real estate transactions, commercial leasing, site selection, acquisitions, sales, management, development, operations, new construction, security, purchasing, budgets, environmental compliance, leasing, and training. Graham’s former positions include Senior Vice President of Facilities for the Galesi Group, with a management portfolio of 8,000,000 square feet, including 1,000 acres of commercial and industrial space throughout New York State. As an engineer, Graham held unique distinctions in the management of complex commercial rehabilitations and high-tech building management. Graham attended St. Francis Xavier University of Canada where he studied civil engineering.

Cait Murray

Operations Manager

Chris Wiltey

Leasing and Operations Specialist

Chris Wiltey is a Regional Manager at United Group overseeing senior and multifamily assets. Prior to serving as a Regional Manager, Chris was an Area Manager, spending significant time working on-site in our senior, student and multifamily projects in Florida, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Illinois and New York. Chris was awarded our Ironman Award in 2020 for his extensive travel and efforts during the pandemic. Chris began his career with United Group in 2013 managing Schaffer Heights, an Independent Senior Living property before transitioning into student assets in the Capital Region in 2015. Chris attended SUNY Albany and Empire State College and received his degree in Business Management and Economics. He also earned his ARM from IREM in July 2020.