According to HLW, Debra Cole will join HLW's New York office as client relations director. Cole is a skilled business development executive and is renowned for her work with organizations including AREW, CoreNet Global NYC Chapter, New York Building Congress and Professional Women in Construction. In 2011, Cole was named a "Top Women in Commercial Real Estate 2011" by Sokol Media. "We are thrilled that Debra will join our team," said Rhonda Curliss, managing director of global marketing & communications. "We believe her accomplishments and interests dovetail perfectly with HLW's areas of expertise - including design for technology companies, financial institutions, broadcast media and entertainment, corporate, academic, and residential buildings. Cole's knowledge of, and reputation in, the NYC marketplace will be a tremendous asset to our firm." As the 2010-11 president of the Association of Real Estate Women (AREW), Cole strengthened and expanded AREW's position as one of the New York City real estate industry's leading associations. She currently serves as an active member on AREW's presidents council and is the Chairman of the 35th anniversary gala scheduled for May 2013. Ms. Cole also curently serves on the Board of Directors for the Women's Builders Council and she serves on the leadership event committee of SHARE (Self Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer). She is a member of the event committee for the Special Olympics Real Estate and Construction Gala. Ms. Cole was honored as a "Woman of Valor" by St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters in 2010. Headshot attached. About HLW International Sustaining a successful practice for over 125 years, HLW remains a strong, innovative and progressive organization with offices strategically placed around the world to support our clients. The firm continues to design buildings and interior places for a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from broadcast and media, financial corporations, technology, academic institutions, and multi-family and mixed use buildings.