Deb Kolar

Deb Kolar of Accesso is a force to be reckoned with in commercial real estate, a dynamic and well-respected professional who motivates her team and partners, while having fun along the way.  

Kolar’s 28 years of experience working at the famed IDS Center in Downtown Minneapolis have shaped her strong business acumen as well as her ability to lead teams to achieve their goals. Kolar began her work at the IDS Center in an entry-level position, and through hard work and resolve, climbed the corporate ladder to become the first female general manager of the property. 

Throughout her tenure, Kolar led the transition of the property through six ownership changes and several large renovations. In the past year-plus, she has been laser focused on the renovation of the Crystal Court, Minneapolis’ central gathering place at the IDS Center. The Crystal Court’s grand re-opening took place on July 22, 2021, and the renovation was incredibly well received, a strong validation of Kolar’s vision and the painstaking effort that went into completing the project. 

Kolar was instrumental in the creation of Accesso’s Return to Work Committee during the pandemic, where she strategizes with colleagues on the best ways to keep her tenants safe as they return to the workplace. She also chairs the Mpls Downtown Improvement District’s budget and operations committee and sits on the downtown council board and executive committee. Additionally, she is the current board chair for the local Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Greater Minneapolis chapter. 

These are just a few of the reasons we chose Kolar as one of the Chicago & Midwest 2021 Women in Real Estate Award winners. Connect CRE’s Women in Real Estate Awards honor the achievements and inspirational stories of women who have reached respected positions of leadership and play key mentorship roles for others.