Simonelli of Holt Construction: Honored to be recognized by PWC

Name: Debra Simonelli Title: Director of Operations Company Name: Holt Construction Corp. What recent project or transaction are you most proud of? The World Trade Center Vehicular Security and Tour Bus Parking Facility (VSC). What recent honor, achievement or recognition has meant the most to you and why? My key participation as the Port Authority of NY & NJ (PANYNJ) Program Director for the VSC (an $800 million program) is by the far the most significant in my career. It was an honor to be recognized by Professional Women in Construction as an honoree for the coordination, design and construction of the World Trade Center VSC, (the central artery for the sites truck and parking system). My involvement with adjacent Programs such as 1 World Trade Center, World Trade Center Memorial, PANYNJ transit Hub and the myriad of stakeholders associated with rebuilding of the World Trade Center site was the most profound experience of my career. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why? The strongest influence in my career has been my "passion" for design and building. What is the first thing you do when you arrive in the office in the morning? My morning activities vary in terms of my physical location and the activity I may be engaged in. On any given day of the week I may start my morning by visiting a construction site, meeting with clients or staff, meeting with Senior Executives or the President of Holt Construction. I may be in New York City, New Jersey, Boston or Philadelphia (Holt Offices). My weekly schedule is typically determined on a Friday for the following week. Mornings require me to prepare the night before so I can be fully engaged. What time management strategies do you find to be the most effective for you? I have always found Stephen Covey 7 Habits of Highly effective people "Begin with the end in mind" to be extremely effective in my life.. Although "Begin with the End in Mind" is about creating a blueprint for your life and defining what matters most - the principles translate to daily activities and time management as well. What is the best advice you have received and who was it from? The best advice has been from someone I consider a dear friend Joan Gerner the former Commissioner of NYC Landmarks Preservation. There is so much I have taken from our conversations over the years. The best advice was "continued perseverance". List 3 women that you would like to have drinks / dinner with and where would you go? Maya Angelou - I would have to visit heaven Gae Aulenti (Musee d'Orsay Architect) - I would have to visit to heaven Sabrina Kanner - I would defer to my guest What is your favorite quote? "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" Maya Angelou What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be an architect and grow up in New York.