Michael J. Uccellini
Chief Executive Officer
The United Group of Companies Inc.
About Us
We believe that everyone deserves to be a part of a vibrant community. Discover how our team has stood at the forefront of leading specialized senior, multi, and student housing real estate development projects in more than eleven states.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Jeffrey Smetana
Executive Vice President of Development
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.
Mark Marasciullo
Chief Investment Officer
Mark Marasciullo is a 25-year veteran of the real estate business. Over the course of his career he has consummated in excess of $7.5B worth of real estate transactions, across all major asset classes. He has advised numerous institutional clients, private equity firms and hedge funds on their commercial real estate investments, and has been a featured columnist on The Business Insider. Mark has started numerous companies, including New Canaan Partners, which he started in 2006 with seed capital from Guggenheim Partners. Most recently, Mark served as the Chief Financial Officer at Greenpointe Holdings, one of Florida’s largest, privately held residential development concerns. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Mark has garnered significant institutional experience. He was a Senior Managing Director of National Investor Accounts and the International Capital Group at JLL. As a senior member of National Investor Accounts team, he covered JLL's largest institutional investor clients. As a senior member of International Capital group, Mark worked with US based investors to export their capital to Europe, while simultaneously importing Asian & Middle Eastern capital to the US. Prior to working at JLL Mark was a Vice President at EastdilSecured in NYC. Mark started his career as a leasing broker at Spaulding & Slye in Washington, DC. He lives in New Canaan, CT with his wife of 18 years. He has two daughters: Charlie and Daisy.
Karen A. Schlederer
Vice President, Development Services
As Vice President of Development Services, Karen serves as a senior member of the management team. She is an integral part of the development and finance division and has been a dedicated professional since joining United Group in 1998. During her tenure, Karen has held a variety of positions ranging from administration to property management. Karen currently represents the development and finance division in development-related activities for new business and ensures internal systems and guidelines are executed to optimize the effectiveness of each team. She is responsible for ensuring that the development and finance divisions are focused, productive, and achieving United Group’s desired outcomes for performance. Karen is also responsible for due diligence efforts associated with loan applications and refinancing efforts, and facilitates and expedites loan closings to ensure banking requirements are met. Karen has participated in the development and management of over 6,500 apartments and financing in excess of $775 million of real estate-related transactions; including the use of taxable and tax-exempt structures and conventional mortgages. Karen holds an Associate of Applied Science degree from Endicott College.
Thomas J. Uccellini
Senior Managing Director
As Senior Managing Director of Finance, Tom works within a small team within United Group’s finance division that has sourced over $500 million in debt, equity and mezzanine financing. Since 2001, Tom has been involved in every aspect of United’s development process from site selection through construction. Under the construction management-arm he oversaw two senior housing development projects with a total value of $30 million and two student housing projects totaling $75 million that included 1200 beds at the State University at Albany. He then transitioned into development where he completed an $80 million, 60-acre, 254-unit intergenerational community from site selection through construction.
Tom earned a B.S. in Business Management and Technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He currently sits on the board of trustees for the Saratoga Senior Center. He is a two-time New York State Greco-Roman wrestling champ as well as a two-time All American.
Keith Axelrod
Senior Managing Director
As Senior Managing Director in the Finance Group at The United Group, Keith works in a number of capacities dealing with both debt and equity financing for existing properties and those in our development pipeline. This includes financial analysis, providing debt and equity reporting to prospective sources, working with brokers, as well as networking with institutional and private capital sources.
He is also a Senior Vice President at United Group’s Broker Dealer, MCM Securities, LLC as well as a Registered Representative and hold the Series 24 General Securities Principal License, as well as the SIE, Series 82, Series 99 and 63 Finra Licenses.
In addition, Keith is responsible for assisting with investor reporting through United Investor Services. In raising private debt and equity through MCM Securities, he meets with various individuals, companies and entities including Medical Doctors, Hospitals, Medical Practices, Health Care Professionals, Financial Firms, Attorneys, Business Owners, Management Directors and other potential investors.
On a personal note, Keith was President of The Mid Hudson Road Runners Club and Race Director of The Dutchess County Classic for over 14 years and was an avid Marathon Runner.
Prior to working at United Group, Keith owned and operated a full service advertising and marketing firm.
Keith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in communications from Charter Oak College.
Pete Angus
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Pete Angus leads sales and marketing for United Group’s senior, student and multi-family portfolios, and is responsible for driving demand and maximizing occupancy. Pete brings over 15 years of marketing leadership to United Group and deep experience in leveraging technology to accelerate growth. Prior to joining United Group, Pete held positions in sales and marketing leadership with both start-up and publicly traded organizations, driving results for brands that include General Motors, AT&T, Valassis and Lockheed Martin. Pete holds a Bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Oswego.
Michael DiGiacomo
Vice President of Operations
As Vice President, Operations, Mike DiGiacomo oversees operations and asset management of United Group’s senior, student, multifamily and commercial portfolios. Prior to his current position, Mike was a Regional Manager, and oversaw the management and operations of United Group’s student housing portfolio, which consists of 1,554 beds, and four senior housing properties containing 578 apartments. Mike managed a team of more than 25 employees and also had responsibilities for two local commercial properties. He had previously been 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 Group, 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 earned an Associate’s degree from Fulton Montgomery Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from Excelsior College.
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.
