In her new role, Pearson will be in charge of driving several corporate initiatives, including operating-cost reduction, improved efficiency of systems and guiding sustainable programs with the goal of LEED certification. At the class A Peachtree, she led a number of building improvements such as a complete lighting retrofit that lowered the building's electric bills and reduced carbon emissions.

"I've worked hard to create a positive environment that encourages and challenges each member of our team to do better through professional and personal growth," Pearson stated in a release. "People love working at the Peachtree because we work hard and have a good time doing it. I am eager to engender the same spirit throughout my portfolio."

Prior to joining Colonial Properties in 2005, Pearson was a senior property manager with PM Realty Group, where she managed low- and high-rise office buildings as well as industrial and retail properties. She was previously a portfolio manager for Ahold Real Estate Co., overseeing approximately one million sf of retail space in its mid-Atlantic region.