Sterling Realty Organization (SRO), a fifth-generation real estate corporation with commercial assets in the Puget Sound and Salt Lake City markets, has announced a major leadership team transition.

President Tom Gilchrist will now become executive chairman of the board, and Matthew Skager will take over as SRO president, as longtime chairman David Schooler retires. A well-known leader in downtown Bellevue, Schooler had a long career at SRO. Before being named executive chairman in 2015, he served as the company president for 21 years.

Gilchrist has served in numerous positions at SRO, including controller, treasurer, vice president and other positions throughout his 40-year career at the company. As a key contributor at SRO during his 12-year tenure at the organization, Skager has worked closely with Gilchrist, progressing from roles including chief financial officer, chief operating officer and vice president.