BOARD OF DIRECTORS • NOMINEES
This year, we have three (3) Class A seats and two (2) Class B seats available. All eligible voters will receive a ballot to vote for the incoming board members at the annual meeting. You may vote in your designated class of Class A or B. If you are a Class A member, you cannot also claim Class B status of the same parcel.
Ballots will be available at the annual meeting location to cast your vote. All ballots can be returned at the annual meeting or to the Downtown Troy BID office at 102 3rd Street, Troy, NY 12180 on Thursday, May 8 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Ballots cannot be accepted after 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 8.
CLASS A DIRECTORS
(3 seats available)
Class A Member: Owners of record of assessed real commercial property in the district described in the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District Plan (the "Plan") for the Central Business District (the "District") of the City of Troy as the same may be amended, as approved by the City Council of the City of Troy, or such other persons as are registered with the City of Troy to receive real property tax bills for property located in the District, shall be Class A members of the Corporation, and shall be allocated one Class A vote for each separate and individually assessed parcel of real property owned.
Entitled to vote for the nine (9) seats on the Troy BID Board of Directors designated for ‘Class A’ members. Three (3) of the nine (9) seats designated for ‘Class A’ members on the BID Board of Directors are becoming vacant due to expiration of current terms.
Gabriella Uccelini
Senior Managing Director of Finance, United Group
Gabriella Uccellini brings deep expertise in real estate finance to her role as Senior Managing Director of Finance at United Group. She oversees financial modeling, acquisition analysis, refinancing, and supports debt and equity placement strategies in collaboration with MCM Securities, LLC. Gabriella also plays a key role in evaluating new development opportunities within the company’s pipeline.
Before joining United Group, Gabriella spent five years at M&T Bank’s Commercial Real Estate Team in New England, where she underwrote over $1 billion in new deals and managed a $1.6 billion portfolio. She also contributed to major internal training initiatives and technology rollouts.
Gabriella holds a Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Finance from Boston University and a B.A. in Economics and Mathematics from the College of the Holy Cross, where she played Division I lacrosse.
Alexander Bresnick
Branch Manager, Trustco Bank
Alex Bresnick is a new resident of Troy and manages the Downtown Troy Branch of Trustco Bank, where he supports the community by opening personal and business accounts and originating loans.
Originally from Massachusetts, and raised in Nevada, Alex served two terms on the Town of Sunderland Selectboard before relocating to New York.
Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, photography, reading, and exploring new places.
Emily Gruendel, AIA, NCARB
Property Owner + Founding Partner, MatterLab Design | Lecturer, RPI School of Architecture
Emily Gruendel is a registered architect and founding partner of MatterLab Design, an innovative architectural research practice focused on experimentation and the materialization of ideas.
With dual master’s degrees in Architecture and Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor's from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Emily merges creative design-thinking with architectural heritage.
Her early career at Kohn Pedersen Fox in NYC shaped her expertise in project development and construction administration. Now based in Downtown Troy, Emily lectures at RPI’s School of Architecture, where her research highlights overlooked or at-risk historic buildings.
Since relocating to Troy in 2023, she has invested in the community both personally—renovating a historic rowhome—and professionally, championing thoughtful preservation and local development.
CLASS B DIRECTORS
(2 seat available)
Class B Member: Tenants, who are an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company or limited liability partnership, and who are occupants pursuant to leases of commercial space within the District, shall be Class B members of the Corporation provided such persons have applied for membership. Each separate leasehold shall be allocated one Class B Vote.
Entitled to vote for the two (2) seat on the Troy BID Board of Directors designated for ‘Class B’ members.
Jamie Magur
Owner, Troy Grooming Co + Magur Management LLC
Jamie Magur is a lifelong Troy resident and owner of Troy Grooming Co., proudly continuing a family tradition of barbering taught to him by his uncles, Charlie Parella and Tony Case—both longtime Troy barbers. Jamie grew up in his grandmother’s restaurant, Connie’s Coffee Break, and has remained deeply connected to the community ever since.
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A graduate of OLV, CCHS, and Manhattan College, Jamie has made it his mission to invest in Troy’s future. Through his work as a real estate developer, he has renovated and actively manages multiple properties across the city, supporting small businesses and enhancing neighborhood vitality.
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Jamie currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Troy BID and is the Chair of the Troy Community Land Bank, where he focuses on fostering sustainable, owner-occupied housing in North Central Troy. His commitment to accessible housing and economic revitalization is rooted in a genuine love for his city and its people.
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With a strong sense of civic responsibility and a deep belief in Troy’s potential, Jamie continues to lead with purpose, preserving the city’s legacy while helping shape its future.
Theresa Van Duyne
Owner, T&J Soap
Theresa Van Duyne is a passionate entrepreneur, educator, and advocate for Troy’s creative economy. With a Master’s Degree in Art Education from The College of Saint Rose, she brings over a decade of experience teaching art, managing adult education programs, and crafting curriculum for aspiring small business owners.
As the founder of T&J Soaps, Theresa has operated a beloved storefront in downtown Troy for more than 13 years. Her shop specializes in handcrafted soaps, candles, bath bombs, and other artisan goods—supporting both local makers and a growing national customer base.
Theresa currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District, where she chairs the Retail, Tourism & Marketing Committees and contributes to the Finance Committee. She has played a key role in revitalizing the BID’s social media, shaping its event strategy, and launching the district’s first-ever Pride Night Out.
Through her work, Theresa continues to champion a welcoming, inclusive, and thriving downtown Troy—and looks forward to furthering that mission in her second term.