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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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Filed by the Registrant  ⌧                            Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ◻

Check the appropriate box:

Sterling Real Estate Trust

d/b/a Sterling Multifamily Trust

(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

[  ]Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a6(i)(1) and 0-11.

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April 24, 2024

Dear Shareholder:

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On behalf of the Board of Trustees, you are cordially invited to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“Annual Meeting”) of Sterling Real Estate Trust d/b/a Sterling Multifamily Trust (the “Trust”), which will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., Central Time at the Avalon Events Center located at 2525 9th Avenue South, Fargo, North Dakota 58103. A social reception preceding the Annual Meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

You are being asked at the Annual Meeting to elect the trustees named in the proxy statement, to ratify the retention of RSM US LLP (“RSM”) as our independent registered public accounting firm and to transact any other business properly brought before the meeting.

We will mail to our shareholders a notice entitled “Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials” containing instructions on how to access our proxy materials online.  In addition, the mailed Notice will include instructions on how you can receive a paper copy of our proxy materials.  You will be able to vote your shares electronically as set forth in the Notice.  If you request a paper copy of our proxy materials, you may vote by returning a completed proxy to us by mail.  If you attend the meeting, you may vote in person even if you have previously returned a proxy to us by mail. We strongly encourage all shareholders to vote promptly.  

We have included with this letter a notice of the meeting and a proxy statement that provides you with more detailed information about the Annual Meeting.  We encourage you to read the entire notice and proxy statement carefully.  You may also obtain more information about the Trust from documents we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

We are delivering our proxy statement and annual report pursuant to SEC rules allowing companies to furnish proxy materials to their shareholders over the internet.  We believe this delivery method expedites shareholders’ receipt of proxy materials and lowers the cost and environmental impact of our Annual Meeting.

We strongly urge you to read the accompanying proxy statement carefully and to vote FOR the nominees proposed by the Board of Trustees and in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Trustees on the other proposals.

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 20, 2024

To the Shareholders of Sterling Multifamily Trust:

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The 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“Annual Meeting”) of Sterling Real Estate Trust d/b/a Sterling Multifamily Trust (“Trust”) will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m., Central Time, at the Avalon Events Center located at 2525 9th Avenue South, Fargo, North Dakota 58103. A social reception preceding the Annual Meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

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At the Annual Meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote on the following matters:

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These items are described in the proxy statement, which is part of this notice. We have not received notice of other matters that may properly be presented at the Annual Meeting.

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Our Board of Trustees has chosen the close of business on April 15, 2024 as the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof, all in accordance with the accompanying proxy statement.

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WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.  PLEASE VOTE YOUR SHARES VIA THE METHODS DESCRIBED IN THE MAILED NOTICE.  YOUR PROMPT PARTICIPATION IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.

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IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING THE MEETING, PLEASE NOTIFY US BY CALLING (701) 353-2720 OR EMAILING IR@SRETRUST.COM, SO YOU MAY BE PRE-REGISTERED. MEETING CREDENTIALS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE MEETING BY PERSONS IDENTIFYING THEMSELVES AS SHAREHOLDERS AS OF THE RECORD DATE.

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Fargo, North Dakota

April 24, 2024

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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 20, 2024.

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The Proxy Statement and the Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at www.envisionreports.com/NREI and within the ‘SEC Filings’ section found under the ‘Performance’ tab of the Company’s website (http://www.smftrust.com).

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STERLING REAL ESTATE TRUST

(d/b/a Sterling Multifamily Trust)

4340 18^th Avenue South, Suite 200

Fargo, North Dakota 58103

PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 20, 2024

This proxy statement and related documents are furnished by the Board of Trustees of Sterling Real Estate Trust d/b/a Sterling Multifamily Trust (the “Trust” or the “Company”) for the solicitation of proxies from the holders of our common shares of beneficial interest in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at the Avalon Events Center located at 2525 9th Avenue South, Fargo, North Dakota 58103, on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Central Time, subject to any adjournment or postponement thereof. The Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, this proxy statement, form of proxy and the Annual Report are being made available to shareholders starting on or about May 10, 2024.

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VOTING AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES

Record Date and Share Ownership

Owners of record of common shares of beneficial interest at the close of business on April 15, 2024 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or adjournments or postponements thereof. As of the close of business on April 15, 2024 there were outstanding 11,441,583 common shares, which is the only class of securities of the Trust entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting (all such common shares being referred to herein as the “shares” and all holders thereof being referred to as our “shareholders”). Each share is entitled to one vote. There is no cumulative voting for the election of trustees.

Upon satisfaction of applicable requirements, we will make available a list of holders of record of our shares as of the close of business on April 15, 2024 for inspection by shareholders during normal business hours at our offices located at 4340 18^th Avenue South, Suite 200, Fargo, ND 58103. This list will also be available at the Annual Meeting.  For information regarding security ownership by the board of trustees, management and by the beneficial owners of more than 5% of our securities, see “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”

Voting Shares

When the proxy materials are made available, shareholders will have access to vote their shares online or to request printed materials be sent by the Company to then be returned via mail. Proxies may be submitted either by mail or in person at the Annual Meeting or online if submitted pursuant to the instructions provided in the Notice mailed to shareholders. If shares are held in street name, such shareholders will receive instructions from their broker, bank or other nominee, and such instructions must be followed to have their shares voted.

All properly executed written proxies delivered pursuant to this solicitation (and not revoked later) will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions of the shareholder. Below is a list of the different votes shareholders may cast pursuant to this solicitation.

In voting on the election of trustees to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders, or until their successors are duly elected and qualified, shareholders may vote in one of the following ways:

In voting on ratification of the appointment of RSM US LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2024, shareholders may vote in one of the following ways:

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Shareholders should specify their choice for each matter in the proxy. If no specific instructions are given, proxies which are signed and returned will be voted FOR the election of the trustees as set forth herein, and FOR the ratification of the appointment of RSM US LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2024.

In addition, if other matters not described in this proxy statement are properly presented at the meeting, the persons named in the proxy will vote in accordance with their best judgment with respect to such matters. This includes a motion to adjourn or postpone the Annual Meeting to solicit additional proxies. We do not currently know of any other matters to be presented at the annual meeting.

Revocability

A shareholder submitting a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time prior to its exercise by voting again online, voting in person at the Annual Meeting, by giving written notice bearing a later date than the proxy or by giving a later dated proxy. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not in itself constitute a revocation of a proxy. Any written notice revoking a proxy should be sent to Sterling Real Estate Trust, Attn. Secretary, 4340 18^th Avenue South, Suite 200, Fargo, ND 58103.

Quorum

A quorum of shareholders is required to hold the Annual Meeting. According to our bylaws, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, represented in person or by proxy, constitute a quorum. If a shareholder has returned valid proxy instructions or participates in the Annual Meeting, that shareholder’s shares will be counted for the purpose of determining whether there is a quorum, even if the shareholder wishes to abstain from voting on some or all matters introduced at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and “broker non-votes” (shares held by a broker, bank or other nominee that does not have authority, either express or discretionary, to vote on a particular matter) are counted for determining whether there is a quorum. If a quorum is not represented, the Annual Meeting may be adjourned from time to time until a quorum is present.

Required Vote

A plurality of the votes cast is required for the election of the trustees to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders, or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. This means the nine trustee nominees receiving the most votes will be elected to the board of trustees. Only votes “FOR” or “WITHHELD” affect the outcome. If you withhold your authority to vote for a particular nominee on your proxy card, your vote will have no effect on the outcome because only a plurality of votes actually cast is required to elect a trustee. A broker non-vote will also have no effect on the outcome for the same reason.

With respect to ratification of the appointment of RSM US LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2024, you may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN.” Shares voted by proxies will be voted in accordance with the specifications marked thereon, and, if no specification is made, will be voted “FOR” each matter. Shares represented by proxies that are marked “ABSTAIN” are considered shares entitled to vote on the particular matter and will have the same effect as a vote against the matter. If you hold your shares in “street name” and do not provide instructions to your broker, your broker will have discretionary authority to vote your shares with respect to this proposal.

Participating in the Meeting

If you were a shareholder as of the close of business on April 15, 2024, you may participate in the Annual Meeting. If you want to vote your shares in person and your shares are held in street name, you will have to get a written proxy in your name from the broker, bank or other nominee who holds your shares.

How can I ask questions at the Annual Meeting?

Shareholders of record may ask questions during the meeting. Instructions for asking questions during the meeting will be included as part of the Rules of Conduct of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders provided at the meeting.

We intend to answer questions pertinent to Trust matters as time allows following the business portion of the meeting. Questions that are substantially similar may be grouped and answered once to avoid repetition.  Shareholder questions related to personal or property specific matters, that are not pertinent to Annual Meeting matters, or that contain derogatory references to individuals, use offensive language, or are otherwise out of order or not suitable for the conduct of the Annual Meeting will not be addressed during the meeting.

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Expenses of Solicitation

The expense of solicitation of proxies will be borne by us, which is estimated to be approximately $10,000. We have not retained a proxy solicitor to solicit proxies; however, we may choose to do so prior to the Annual Meeting. Proxies may also be solicited by certain of our trustees, officers and other employees, including employees, officers and governors of the Advisor, without additional compensation, personally or by written communication, telephone or other electronic means. We are required to request brokers, banks and nominees who hold shares in their name to furnish our proxy material to beneficial owners of the shares and will reimburse such brokers, banks and nominees for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in so doing.

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OTHER MATTERS

The Board of Trustees is not aware of any business other than the aforementioned matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the person(s) named in the proxy to vote thereon in accordance with his/her/their best judgment.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 are included in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 14, 2024 and in our Annual Report that will be made available to our shareholders at http://www.smftrust.com or at the website indicated in the Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials that you receive in connection with this notice and the accompanying proxy statement. In addition, our Annual Report on Form 10-K will be sent to our shareholders upon request to Sterling Real Estate Trust, Attn: Director of Investor Relations, 4340 18^th Avenue South, Suite 200, Fargo, North Dakota 58103.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table shows, as of April 15, 2024, the beneficial ownership of common shares of the Trust and of limited partnership units of our operating partnership, which are exchangeable for common shares on a one-for-one basis or cash, at the option of the Trust, by (1) any person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding common shares of the Trust, (2) each trustee of the Trust, (3) each executive officer of the Trust and (4) all of the trustees and executive officers of the Trust as a group. The calculation of the percentage of outstanding shares is based on 11,441,583 common shares outstanding on April 15, 2024. Except as otherwise indicated by footnote, each shareholder named has sole voting and investment power with respect to such common shares and limited partnership units.

*Less than 1% of the outstanding common shares of beneficial interest.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES

Director Independence

Our Board of Trustees has determined that seven (7) of our nine (9) current trustees—Messrs.  Hammes, Haugen, Hunt, Wolf, Polovitz, Ms. Korsmo and Ms. Christenson—are independent under the standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market, and that the members of our Audit and Disclosure Committee are independent pursuant to Rule 10A-3 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Since Ms. Christenson is not nominated for re-election at the Annual Meeting, the Board of Trustees will thereafter be comprised of eight (8) trustees, six (6) of whom shall be independent pursuant to Rule 10A-3 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

Leadership Structure

We operate under the direction of our Board of Trustees, which we may refer to herein as our Board. The Board is responsible for the overall management and control of our affairs. Our Chair of the Board, Lance R. Wolf, is an independent trustee under the independence standards described above.

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The Board has retained Sterling Management, LLC as our Advisor to manage our day-to-day affairs and the acquisition and disposition of our investments, subject to the Board’s supervision and approval. Our Advisor is a wholly owned subsidiary of Trustmark Enterprises, Inc. Kenneth P. Regan, our Chief Executive Officer; Megan E. Schreiner, our President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; Luke B. Swenson, our Chief Investment Officer; and Michael Carlson, our General Counsel and Secretary, are officers, employees, owners (indirectly through Trustmark Enterprises, Inc.) and governors of our Advisor. Among others, such executive officers oversee our Advisor’s day-to-day operations with respect to us. However, when doing so, such executive officers are acting on behalf of our Advisor in performing the Advisor’s obligations under the Advisory Agreement. Generally, the only services performed by our executive officers in their capacity as executive officers of the Trust are those required by law or regulation, such as executing documents as required by North Dakota law and providing certifications required by the federal securities laws. 

Under our Board leadership structure, the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board are separate. The separation allows the Chair of the Board to focus on board management matters and to maintain the objectivity of the Board in its risk oversight role and management oversight role of the Advisor, specifically with respect to reviewing and assessing the Advisor’s performance.

Board Meetings

Our Board of Trustees held four (4) regularly scheduled meetings during 2023. During 2023, all trustees attended 75% or more of the meetings of the Board of Trustees and committees to which they were assigned.

In order to control expenses, and in light of the fact a limited number of our shareholders attend our Annual Meeting, we do not require trustees to attend the Annual Meeting. Our trustees are invited, and frequently one or more of our trustees is in attendance at such meetings. At the 2023 Annual Meeting, all of our trustees were present either in person or by means of virtual communication.

We have an Audit and Disclosure Committee, a Nomination and Governance Committee, and an Executive Committee, each of which is more fully described below.

Committees

Our entire Board of Trustees considers all major decisions concerning our business, including property acquisitions and dispositions. However, we have established an Audit and Disclosure Committee so audit and disclosure functions can be addressed in more depth than may be possible at a full Board meeting, as well as a Nomination and Governance Committee, and an Executive Committee.

Copies of each committee charter may be found on our website at www.smftrust.com. Except for information specifically incorporated herein by reference, the information contained on or accessible through our website is not a part of this proxy statement.

Audit and Disclosure Committee

The Audit and Disclosure Committee’s primary functions are to oversee our accounting, financial reporting, disclosure processes and the audits of our financial statements. The committee selects the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm to audit our consolidated financial statements, monitors the effectiveness of the audit effort, and the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal and financial accounting organization, controls, and financial reporting. The committee also oversees and evaluates the independent registered public accounting firm, meets with the independent registered public accounting firm to review the scope and results of the audit, approves non-audit services provided to us by our independent certified public accountants, and considers various accounting and auditing matters related to our system of internal controls, financial management practices and other matters. The committee complies with the provisions of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.

The Audit and Disclosure Committee currently consists of trustees Ann L. Christenson, Gregory P. Hammes, Timothy L. Haugen, Timothy A. Hunt, Michelle L. Korsmo and Mark T. Polovitz, and is chaired by Mr. Hunt. Mr. Hunt has served as Chair of the committee since June 2011. The members of the Audit and Disclosure Committee are independent trustees, as defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules and as defined by the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. Our Board of Trustees has determined that Mr. Haugen and Mr. Polovitz are audit committee financial experts as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

The Audit and Disclosure Committee meets at least quarterly to review and approve the financial reports, discuss accounting, reporting and internal control matters, and review other pertinent matters as they arise. The Audit and Disclosure Committee also discusses auditing issues via telephone conference and during regularly scheduled Board meetings, as appropriate, after which time the conversations are incorporated into the Board’s minutes. The committee held four (4) meetings during 2023.

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Nomination and Governance Committee

The Nomination and Governance Committee’s primary functions are to assist the Board in overseeing company governance matters, including the development of governance guidelines, periodic evaluation of the Board, its committees, and individual trustees, identification and selection of trustee nominees, and oversight of our policies and practices relating to ethical and compliance issues.

The committee is responsible for assessing the appropriate mix of skills and characteristics required of trustees and periodically reviews and recommends for approval by the Board any updates to the criteria as deemed necessary. Such criteria may include integrity, independence, diversity and extent of experience, length of service, number of other board and committee memberships, leadership qualities and ability to exercise sound judgment. The committee evaluates the qualifications of each trustee candidate against these criteria in making its recommendation to the Board concerning nominations for election or reelection as a trustee.

The Nomination and Governance Committee currently consists of trustees Michelle L. Korsmo, Mark T. Polovitz, James S. Wieland, and Lance R. Wolf, and is chaired by Ms. Korsmo. The current slate of trustee nominees was recommended to the Board of Trustees by the Nomination and Governance Committee.

The Nomination and Governance Committee meets at least twice a year and holds additional meetings when pertinent matters arise. This committee also discusses governance issues via telephone conference and during regularly scheduled Board meetings, after which time the conversations are incorporated into the Board’s minutes. The committee held two (2) regularly scheduled meetings in 2023.

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Executive Committee

The Executive Committee’s primary functions are to assist the Board in handling matters which should not be postponed until the following scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees, including investments, acquisitions, dispositions, and financing activities.

The Executive Committee currently consists of trustees Lance R. Wolf, Timothy A. Hunt, Timothy L. Haugen, and James S. Wieland, and is chaired by Mr. Wolf.

The Executive Committee meets periodically when necessary or deemed desirable by the committee or the Chair of the Committee. The committee met four (4) times during 2023.

Other Committees

The Board of Trustees may determine to establish additional committees of the Board in the future.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

We do not have a separate compensation committee, or other Board committee performing equivalent functions, as we have no employees and do not compensate our executive officers. There were no interlocks or other relationships among the Company’s executive officers or Trustees that are required to be disclosed under applicable compensation disclosure regulations.

Qualifications of Candidates for Election to the Board

When candidates for our Board of Trustees are considered, the Nomination and Governance Committee will consider all relevant experience and qualifications of the nominees, and each candidate is evaluated based upon various criteria including integrity, independence, diversity and extent of experience, length of service, number of other board or committee memberships, leadership qualities and the ability to exercise sound judgment. Additional considerations include:

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Process for Identifying and Evaluating Candidates for Election to the Board

A role of the Nomination and Governance Committee is to review the qualifications and backgrounds of any candidates for our Board of Trustees, its current members, as well as the overall composition of the Board.

In the case of any trustee candidate, the questions of independence and financial expertise are important to determine what roles the candidate can perform, and the Nomination and Governance Committee will consider whether the candidate meets the applicable independence standards and the level of the candidate’s financial expertise. Any new candidates will be interviewed, and the Nomination and Governance Committee will approve the final nominations. Our Chair of the Board, acting on behalf of the Nomination and Governance Committee, will extend the formal invitation to the selected candidates.

Shareholder Nominations

The Nomination and Governance Committee will consider candidates proposed by our shareholders. Shareholders may nominate trustee candidates for consideration by the Nomination and Governance Committee by writing to our Secretary at Sterling Real Estate Trust, 4340 18^th Avenue South, Suite 200, Fargo, ND 58103, who will forward the nomination to the Chair of the Nomination and Governance Committee. The shareholder will be required to comply with the requirements of our Amended and Restated Bylaws regarding time frames during which to submit trustee candidates and the submission process. The submission must provide, among other things, the candidate’s name, biographical data and qualifications, including five-year employment history with employer names and a description of the employer’s business; whether such individual can read and understand fundamental financial statements; other board memberships (if any); ownership of our shares or limited partnership units in our operating partnership; and such other information as is reasonably available and sufficient to enable the Nomination and Governance Committee to evaluate the minimum qualifications stated above under the section of this proxy statement entitled “Qualifications of Candidates for Election to the Board.” The submission must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for election if nominated by the Nomination and Governance Committee and to serve if elected by the shareholders. If a shareholder nominee is eligible, and if the nomination is proper, the Nomination and Governance Committee then will deliberate and decide as to whether the nominee will be approved and subsequently submitted to our shareholders for a vote. The Nomination and Governance Committee will not change the manner in which it evaluates candidates, including the applicable minimum criteria set forth above, on the basis of whether the candidate was recommended by a shareholder.

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Executive Sessions of the Board

Our Board of Trustees meets in executive session, with only independent trustees being present, on a regular basis. The independent trustees met in executive session four (4) times during 2023.

Shareholder Communications

Our Board of Trustees believes it is important for us to have a process whereby our shareholders may send communications to our Board. Accordingly, shareholders who wish to communicate with our Board of Trustees or a particular trustee may do so by sending a letter to Sterling Real Estate Trust, Attn. Secretary, 4340 18^th Avenue South, Suite 200, Fargo, ND 58103. The mailing envelope must contain a clear notation indicating the enclosed letter is a “Shareholder-Board Communication” or “Shareholder-Trustee Communication.” All such letters must identify the author as a shareholder and clearly state whether the intended recipients are all members of our Board of Trustees or only certain specified individual trustees. The Trust’s Secretary copies all such letters and circulates them to the appropriate trustee or trustees.

Board Role in Risk Oversight

Our Advisor is responsible for managing the day-to-day risks we face, but the Board is actively involved in overseeing our risk management. The Board’s role in our risk oversight process includes receiving regular reports from management and the Advisor, which include consideration of operational, financial, legal, regulatory, and strategic risks we face. The Board does not view risk in isolation, as risks are considered in virtually every business decision made and as part of our business strategy. Accordingly, the Board also works to oversee risk through its consideration and authorization of significant matters, such as the adoption of basic policies such as the Code of Ethics, and through its oversight of the Advisor’s implementation of its duties. In addition, each of the Trust’s Board committees considers risk within its area of responsibility, as follows:

As a critical part of its risk management oversight role, the Board encourages full and open communication between the Advisor and the Board of Trustees. Trustees are free to communicate directly with the Advisor, and the Advisor’s management attends the Board’s regular meetings and is available to address any questions or concerns raised by the Board on risk management related and other matters.

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TRUSTEE COMPENSATION

The following schedule applies to independent trustee compensation, calculated annually, and payable in shares of our common stock pursuant to our Independent Trustee Common Share Plan on or about July 15 each year for the Trustees’ prior year of service:

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Non-independent trustees do not receive compensation for their service on the Board or Committees. Our trustees are also reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings.

On July 15, 2023, the Trust issued total shares of 3,120 for meetings attended from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, 1,500 shares had been earned for meetings attended from July 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023 and will be issued in July 2024.

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The chart below shows the number shares each trustee earned for meeting attendance, during the year ended December 31, 2023.

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The chart below shows the compensation earned by each trustee during the year-ended December 31, 2023.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

As an externally advised trust, our day-to-day operations are generally performed by our Advisor. Our Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Chief Investment Officer, and General Counsel and Secretary are also officers, employees, owners (indirectly through Trustmark Enterprises, Inc.) and governors of our Advisor. Among others, such executive officers oversee our Advisor’s day-to-day operations with respect to us. However, when doing so, such executive officers are acting on behalf of our Advisor in performing the Advisor’s obligations under the Advisory Agreement. Generally, the only services performed by our executive officers in their capacity as executive officers of the Trust are those required by law or regulation, such as executing documents as required by North Dakota law and providing certifications required by the federal securities laws.

As of the date of this report, each of the persons below currently serves as one of our executive officers:

*As of April 15, 2024

The following is a summary of the background and business experience of our executive officers other than Mr. Regan (whose background and business experiences are described in connection with his status as a trustee):

Megan E. Schreiner has served as President since January 2024 and Chief Financial Officer since April 2024. She was appointed as Chief Operating Officer of both the Advisor and GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc. on February 1, 2022 and Executive Vice President on February 1, 2023 of both the Advisor and GOLDMARK Property Management. Previously she was Chief Financial Officer of GOLDMARK and also previously served as Controller for the Advisor. Ms. Schreiner spent the first six years of her career in public accounting as an auditor with Widmer Roel PC. She is currently on the Board of Directors of the YWCA, serving as the Treasurer as well as the Chair of the Finance Committee. She is also a BIO Girls Site Co-Director. Ms. Schreiner received her Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Finance from Minnesota State University Moorhead and is a Certified Public Accountant.

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Michael P. Carlson has served as the Advisor’s General Counsel and Secretary since December 2022.  He has also served as General Counsel and Secretary of Sterling Multifamily Trust and Sterling Office and Industrial Trust since December 2022.  Mr. Carlson previously served as the Advisor’s Assistant General Counsel since May 2020.  Prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. Carlson served as in-house corporate counsel to Border States Industries, Inc. in Fargo, ND. Mr. Carlson began his legal career at Nilles, Selbo & Harrie, Ltd. in Fargo, ND.  Mr. Carlson holds a B.S. and B.A. from the University of North Dakota and a J.D. from the University of North Dakota School of Law.  He is licensed to practice law in North Dakota and Minnesota.

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Luke B. Swenson has served as Chief Investment Officer for the Advisor since August 2023. He has also served as Chief Investment Officer of Sterling Multifamily Trust since January 2024. Before joining the Advisor, Mr. Swenson served as Vice President of Trading Technology at Bushel Inc, owned and operated Dakota Capital, and was the head of brokerage for Lida Communications and CommStock Investments. Mr. Swenson holds a B.S. from North Dakota State University.

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We have provided below certain information about the executive officers and Board of Governors of the Advisor.

*As of April 15, 2024

The following is a summary of the background and business experience of the governors of the Advisor other than Messrs. Regan, Wieland, Carlson, Swenson, and Ms. Schreiner (whose background and business experiences are described in connection with their status as a trustee or executive officer of the Trust).

James D. Echtenkamp has served as a governor of the Advisor since 2007 and also serves on the Board of Directors of GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc., an affiliate of the Advisor. Prior, he practiced law with Arthur, Chapman & McDonough from 1983 through 1989. He also served as a tax consultant for Touche Ross & Co. from 1981 to 1983. Mr. Echtenkamp received a B.S.B.A degree in accounting from the University of North Dakota and a J.D. degree from Drake University, School of Law and is licensed to practice law (inactive status) in Iowa and Minnesota. As of April 15, 2024, Mr. Echtenkamp owned 1,295 shares of the Trust, Mr. Echtenkamp’s spouse owned 63,623 shares of the Trust, and a trust owned 85,674 shares of the Trust, over which Mr. Echtenkamp has voting control. In addition, as of such date, Mr. Echtenkamp’s spouse’s trust owned 177,250 limited partnership units, James D. Echtenkamp LLC owned 4,074 limited partnership units, and a trust owned 343,926 limited partnership units, over which Mr. Echtenkamp has voting control; 311,010 of these limited partnership units may be exchanged for common shares of the Trust pursuant to the Exchange Right. 66,700 units owned by Mr. Echtenkamp are pledged to a bank as collateral.

Dale D. Lian has served as a governor of the Advisor since January 2007 and also serves on the Board of Directors of GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc., an affiliate of the Advisor. He was previously a certified public accountant with Charles Bailly and Co., Fargo, where he focused on tax and accounting for small businesses. Mr. Lian received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of North Dakota and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), currently inactive. As of April 15, 2024, Mr. Lian owned 1,626 shares of the Trust. In addition, as of such date, Mr. Lian owned 314,822 limited partnership units. Zero of these limited partnership units may be exchanged for common shares of the Trust pursuant to the Exchange Right. 268,885 units owned by Mr. Lian are pledged to a bank as collateral.

Jocelyn R. Wessels has served as a governor of the Advisor since February 2022. She was appointed Chief People Officer of both the Advisor and GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc. on February 1, 2022. Previously, she served as Chief People Officer of GOLDMARK since September 2020. Prior to GOLDMARK, Ms. Wessels was the Executive Director, Human Resources for the Fargo Market at Sanford Health.  In this role, Ms. Wessels worked closely with the Fargo Market Leadership team to develop and execute on people-related strategies for approximately 10,000 employees in the Fargo area and surrounding communities across the eastern part of ND and northwestern part of MN. Ms. Wessels has over 20 years of progressive Human Resources experience including HR Business Partner leadership roles at Microsoft and PepsiCo and more than 30 years of hands-on leadership experience.  Ms. Wessels received a B.S. degree from South Dakota State University.

Jamie M. Bucholz has served as a governor of the Advisor since January 2023. She was appointed as Chief Transformation Officer of both the Advisor and GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc. on February 1, 2022. Previously, Ms. Bucholz served as the Manager, Project Management Office (PMO) of GOLDMARK and also previously served as Acquisition Specialist for the Advisor. Ms. Bucholz spent the first 10 years of her career in wealth management with the last three of those years focusing on personal financial planning as a wealth advisor for Bell Bank. Ms. Bucholz received her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Minnesota State University Moorhead and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), currently inactive. As of April 15, 2024, Ms. Bucholz owned 19,038 shares held in IRA accounts where the custodian has the power to vote such shares.

David F. Perkins has served as governor of the Advisor since January 2023.  He is currently the Commercial Portfolio Manager for the Advisor overseeing commercial assets for both Sterling Multifamily Properties, LLLP and Sterling Office and Industrial Properties, LLLP since February 2011. Mr. Perkins spent the first five years of his career with Credit Suisse as a product controller

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managing revenue recognition and expense recoveries in the banks, mergers and acquisitions department.  Mr. Perkins received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Minnesota State University Moorhead and his Master’s of Business Administration from Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina.  He also holds a real estate license in North Dakota, currently inactive. As of April 15, 2024, Mr. Perkins owned 12,023 shares individually, 693 shares held in accounts where Mr. Perkins acts as custodian and has the power to vote such shares, 3,919 shares owned by P5 Partners LLC, over which Mr. Perkins has voting control, 3,283 shares owned by Northview Apartments LLC, over which Mr. Perkins has voting control, 9,112 shares owned by Sheyenne Ridge Apartments LLP, over which Mr. Perkins has voting control, and 2,342 shares owned by Crestview Apartments LLP, over which Mr. Perkins has voting control. In addition, as of such date, Northview Apartments LLC owned 9,480 limited partnership units, over which Mr. Perkins has voting control. Zero of these limited partnership units may be exchanged for common shares of the Trust pursuant to the Exchange Right. 9,480 units owned by Northview Apartments LLC are pledged to a bank as collateral.

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ADVISOR COMPENSATION

We are an externally advised trust and as such, although we have a Board of Trustees and executive officers responsible for our management, we have no paid employees. Our Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Chief Investment Officer, and General Counsel and Secretary are all employees of our Advisor and receive compensation directly from the Advisor. Our Chair of the Board is not an employee of our Advisor and receives compensation only for serving as a trustee.

The following is a brief description of the fees and compensation that may be received by the Advisor. The compensation payable to the Advisor is subject to the terms and conditions of the Advisory Agreement, which must be renewed on an annual basis and approved by a majority of the independent trustees. As a result, such amounts may be increased or decreased in future renewals of the Advisory Agreement. The Advisory Agreement was last approved by the Board and a majority of the independent trustees on March 21, 2024. The fees listed below reflect the fees payable to the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement as amended and restated.

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TC = Total Project Cost

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If Advisor shares responsibility for providing Development Services with one or more third parties, the Development Fee is reduced by the fees charged by any such third parties; provided, such adjustment is subject to a 2.5% minimum Advisor’s Development Fee. Additionally, in cases where the Advisor is sharing responsibility for providing Development Services, the Development Fee is capped at 2.5% of $20,000,000 ($500,000).

The expenses listed below reflect the expenses incurred by the Advisor in connection with the services it provides to the Trust and the Operating Partnership payable to the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement as amended and restated.

Advisor Summary Compensation Table

The table below sets forth information regarding compensation earned in or with respect to our fiscal years 2023 and 2022 by the Advisor.

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

We are subject to various conflicts of interest arising out of our relationship with our Advisor and its affiliates, some of whom serve as our executive officers and trustees. These conflicts include the compensation arrangements between us and the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement, whereby the Advisor receives a management fee, acquisition fees, disposition fees, financing fees, development fees, project management fees and fees when engaged as a property manager for our properties.

Under our Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, we may not enter into any contract or transaction, including the purchase or sale of property to, the Advisor, trustees, or their affiliates unless a majority of our trustees as well as a majority of our independent trustees approve the transaction as fair and reasonable to us and on terms and conditions not less favorable to us than those available from unaffiliated third parties. Our Amended and Restated Bylaws also provide our trustees, officers, employees, and agents, in a personal capacity or in a capacity as an affiliate, employee or agent of any other person, may have business interests and engage in business activities similar and even competitive to or in addition to those relating to our business.

In addition to the foregoing provisions of our Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and our Amended and Restated Bylaws, our Board of Trustees has adopted a written Related Person Transaction Policy which governs the review and approval of any “Related Party Transaction,” meaning any transaction with a “Related Person” in which the Trust is a participant and where the amount involved exceeds $120,000. For purposes of the Related Person Transaction Policy, a “Related Person” is any trustee or executive officer

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of the Trust (including any person who was a trustee or officer of the Trust during the last fiscal year), any person who beneficially owns 5% or more of the outstanding capital stock of the Trust, and any immediate family member of any such person.

Pursuant to the Related Person Transaction Policy, when any potential Related Person Transaction is identified, before it is entered into, the Related Person involved must submit to legal counsel for the Trust information regarding all relevant facts and circumstances regarding the proposed Related Person Transaction. Following delivery of such information, our Chief Executive Officer and/or our legal counsel will assess whether the proposed transaction is a Related Person Transaction for purposes of the Related Person Transaction Policy. If it is determined that such transaction is a Related Person Transaction, such transaction is submitted to the Audit and Disclosure Committee for consideration at the next Audit and Disclosure Committee meeting, or, if waiting until the next Audit and Disclosure Committee meeting is determined not to be practicable, to the Audit and Disclosure Committee Chair. The Audit and Disclosure Committee or Audit and Disclosure Committee Chair, as applicable, considers all relevant facts and circumstances concerning the proposed Related Person Transaction and, following such consideration, determines whether to approve the proposed Related Party Transaction.

Trustmark Enterprises, Inc. (formerly known as Alloy Enterprises, Inc.)

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Effective January 1, 2021, Alloy Enterprises, Inc. was formed to act as the holding company for Sterling Management, LLC and GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc. (effective April 19, 2022, Alloy Enterprises Inc. was renamed Trustmark Enterprises, Inc.). In connection with this restructuring transaction, the owners of Trustmark Enterprises, Inc. indirectly own Sterling Management, LLC and GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc. Trustmark Enterprises, Inc. is owned in part by the Trust’s Chief Executive Officer and Trustee Mr. Kenneth P. Regan (30.0%), by Trustee Mr. James S. Wieland (25.0%), by President and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Megan E. Schreiner (8.0%), by Chief Investment Officer Luke B. Swenson (2.0%), and by General Counsel and Secretary Michael P. Carlson (3.0%). In addition, Mr. Regan serves as the Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Advisor, Ms. Schreiner serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Advisor, Mr. Swenson serves as the Chief Investment Officer of the Advisor, and Mr. Carlson serves as the General Counsel and Secretary of the Advisor. Messrs. Regan, Wieland, Swenson, and Carlson, and Ms. Schreiner, also serve on the Board of Governors of the Advisor and the Board of Directors of GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc.

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Advisor

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Sterling Management, LLC, is a North Dakota limited liability company formed in November 2002. The Advisor is responsible for managing day-to-day affairs, overseeing capital projects, and identifying, acquiring, and disposing investments on behalf of the Trust. The independent members of the Board unanimously approved the Advisory Agreement for 2024.

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During 2023, the Advisor earned $3,807,000 in advisory management fees, $204,000 in disposition fees, $121,000 in financing fees, $600,000 in development fees, and $682,000 in project management fees. In addition, during 2023, the Advisor was reimbursed for operating costs such as travel, legal and office supplies totaling $3,000. During 2022, the Advisor earned $3,683,000 in advisory management fees, $1,321,000 in acquisition fees, $703,000 in disposition fees, $83,000 in financing fees, $600,000 in development fees, and $450,000 in project management fees. In addition, during 2022, the Advisor was reimbursed for operating costs such as travel, legal and office supplies totaling $8,000.

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Property Management Fees

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GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc., is a North Dakota corporation formed in 1981. GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc. performs property management services for the Trust, acting as the Trust’s primary property manager. Under this agreement, we have agreed to pay GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc. a property management fee of 5% of the monthly gross income from such properties managed. During 2023 and 2022, we paid GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc. $15,069,000 and $13,833,000 in property management fees, respectively. In addition, we paid repair and maintenance related payroll and payroll related expenses to GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc. totaling $9,936,000 and $7,744,000, respectively.

Operating Partnership Units Issued in Connection with Acquisitions

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During the year ended December 31, 2023, we issued no operating partnership (OP) unit to entities affiliated with any related parties.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, we issued 510,000 operating partnership (OP) units affiliated with Messrs. Regan Wieland, and Echtenkamp, three of our trustees, in connection with the acquisition of various properties. The aggregate value of these units was $11,741,000.

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Commissions

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During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we incurred real estate commissions of $- and $567,000, respectively, to GOLDMARK Commercial Real Estate, Inc., in which Messrs. Regan and Wieland jointly own a controlling interest.

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During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we incurred real estate commissions of $- and $418,000, respectively to GOLDMARK Property Management.

Trustee Fees

During 2023 and 2022, we paid trustee fees in shares of our common stock pursuant to the Independent Trustee Common Share Plan. There is no cash retainer paid to trustees. Instead, we pay trustees specific amounts of common shares for meetings attended. Our Independent Trustee Compensation Plan provides that we pay our trustees for meeting attendance as follows:

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Common shares earned in accordance with the plan are calculated on an annual basis. Shares earned pursuant to the Plan are issued on or about July 15 for Trustees’ prior year of service. Non-independent Trustees are not compensated for their service on the Board or Committees. See the Trustee compensation table on page 9 for additional details.

Rental Agreements

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we received rental income of $133,000 and $130,000, respectively, under an operating lease agreement with our Advisor.

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During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we received rental income of $273,000 and $267,000, respectively, under operating lease agreements with GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc.

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Mezzanine Financing

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As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, Sterling issued $8,766,000 and $5,854,000, respectively, in second mortgage financing to related entities.

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During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Trust earned interest income of $671,000 and $350,000, respectively, related to the second mortgage financing.

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Development Arrangements

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Effective August 25, 2021, The Trust purchased a 70% interest in ST Oak Cliff Dallas, LLC. The purpose of the entity is to develop and construct a 318-unit multifamily property located in Dallas, Texas. The partnering investee, TG Oak Cliff Dallas, LLC is owned in part by Kenneth P. Regan, the Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, and Trustee. Mr. Regan is also a partner in Trumont Group, the developer engaged by ST Oak Cliff Dallas, LLC to oversee the development of the property. Further, Mr. Regan is also a partner in Trumont Construction, the company who was engaged to oversee the day-to-day construction operations of the property.

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During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Trust incurred and paid $- and $411,000, respectively, in development fees to Trumont Group.

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During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Trust incurred and paid $459,000 and $799,000, respectively, in construction fees to Trumont Construction. At December 31, 2023 and 2022 the Trust owed $33,000 and $71,000, respectively, in construction fees to Trumont Construction.

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During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Trust incurred and paid $344,000 and $639,000, respectively, in general construction costs to Trumont Construction. At December 31, 2023 and 2022 the Trust owed $37,000 and $81,000, respectively, of general construction costs to Trumont Construction.

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Code of Ethics

Our Board of Trustees has approved, and we have adopted, a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, which is comprised of the following:

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While each component has a specific purpose, together they provide an integrated approach to the way we conduct our business. We recognize adherence to the principles in the Code of Ethics is essential to our efforts to gain and keep the confidence and support of all of our shareholders, and to do what is legal and what is ethical. It is also necessary both to manage our business effectively and to meet the constantly changing needs of the marketplace. We believe it is a critical part of the way we do business.

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Our Code of Ethics is available on our website at www.smftrust.com. You may request a copy of our Code of Ethics, without charge, by contacting in one of the following manners: (1) by writing: Attention: Secretary, Sterling Real Estate Trust, 4340 18th Avenue South, Suite 200, Fargo, ND 58103, (2) by calling (701) 353-2720 or (3) by emailing a request to sterlinggov@sretrust.com. Except for information specifically incorporated herein by reference, the information contained on or accessible through our website is not a part of this proxy statement.

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Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting

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Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and trustees and persons who own more than ten percent (10%) of our common stock to file initial reports of ownership (Form 3) and reports of changes in ownership (Form 4) with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a matter of practice, our Advisor assists our trustees and executive officers with these reporting requirements, and typically files these reports on their behalf. We are required to disclose whether we have knowledge of any person required to file such reports may have failed to do so in a timely manner.

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Based solely on review of the copies of such forms furnished to us, we believe all of the trustees and executive officers of the Trust have timely satisfied their Section 16(a) reporting obligations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

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PROPOSAL 1 –
ELECTION OF TRUSTEES

Our shareholders are asked to act upon a proposal to elect the trustee nominees. Our Board of Trustees is presently composed of nine (9) trustees. The term of the current trustees will expire at the Annual Meeting.

The Board of Trustees has nominated eight (8) nominees for election to the Board of Trustees: Timothy L. Haugen, Timothy A. Hunt, Michelle L. Korsmo, Mark T. Polovitz, Kenneth P. Regan, James S. Wieland, Lance R. Wolf, and Gregory P. Hammes. Ann L. Christenson is not renominated for election.  All nominees currently serve as members of our Board of Trustees. Each trustee is to serve until the next Annual Meeting of our shareholders or until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until the trustee’s earlier death, resignation, or termination. All the nominees have indicated a willingness to serve if elected.

Vote Required

A plurality of the votes cast is required for the election of the trustees to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders, or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. This means the nine trustee nominees receiving the most votes will be elected to the board of trustees. Only votes “for” or “withheld” affect the outcome. Abstentions are not counted for purposes of the election of trustees.

Unless a contrary choice is specified, proxies solicited by our Board of Trustees will be voted FOR approval of the election of each of the trustee nominees.

A shareholder has one vote per share for each trustee nominee. Cumulative voting does not apply in the election of trustees. Proxies may not be voted for a greater number of persons than the trustee nominees.

Recommendation of our Board of Trustees

Our Board of Trustees recommends a vote FOR each of the trustee nominees to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of shareholders and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.

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Nominees for Trustee

Biographical and other information concerning our current trustees and the trustee nominees for election at the Annual Meeting is set forth below.

Kenneth P. Regan has served as Chief Executive Officer to Sterling Multifamily Trust (the “Trust”) since May 2007 and as a member of its Board of Trustees since July 2007. Mr. Regan also served as Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Management, LLC, the Trust’s Advisor, from May 2007 through February 2020. Since March 2020 he has served Sterling Management as its Executive Chairman. Since February 2023, Mr. Regan has served as Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Sterling Management. Mr. Regan has over 40 years of experience in the real estate industry. In March 1981, he co-founded the GOLDMARK companies with James S. Wieland. Mr. Regan is the Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of GOLDMARK Property Management, Inc., one of the Trust’s property management firms. He is also an owner of GOLDMARK Commercial Real Estate, Inc. and GOLDMARK Design & Development, LLC. Mr. Regan has been active in the acquisition, development, operation, and management of multifamily and commercial properties throughout his real estate career. Prior to co-founding the GOLDMARK companies, Mr. Regan began his real estate career in 1979 with Warner and Company located in Fargo, ND. Prior to that, Mr. Regan worked as an Assistant National Bank Examiner for the OCC Division of the U.S. Treasury. He received a B.S.B.A. degree in Business Management from the University of North Dakota and holds professional designations including Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) and Certified Property Manager (CPM). Mr. Regan has maintained his real estate license since 1979 and is a member of the National Apartment Association, Fargo Moorhead Area Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors.

Mr. Regan was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees due to his business acumen, extensive experience, and successful track record in the investment real estate industry. 

Lance R. Wolf has served as one of our Trustees since May 2010 and currently serves as Chairman of the Sterling Multifamily Trust Board of Trustees, Chair of our Executive Committee and as a member of the Nomination and Governance Committee. Mr. Wolf has also served as Trustee of Sterling Office and Industrial Trust since March 2016. Mr. Wolf has over 40 years of banking experience, encompassing executive leadership, bank compliance, financial services, and retail banking. Mr. Wolf has also served on the Open Compliance Committee for the American Bankers Association for 20 years. Mr. Wolf received his Bachelor of Science degree from North Dakota State University. 

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Mr. Wolf was nominated for election to the Board because of his specific experience and expertise in regulatory compliance and the retail banking industry; past and continuing contributions to Sterling as Trustee and an investor; his distinguished service on the

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Open Compliance Committee for the American Bankers Association and his general expertise and perspective on business and real estate, all of which benefit the Board.

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Timothy L. Haugen has served as one of our Trustees since 2013 and currently serves on our Audit and Disclosure Committee and our Executive Committee. Mr. Haugen has also served as Trustee for Sterling Office and Industrial Trust since March 2016. Mr. Haugen has over 40 years of experience in corporate and business accounting, commercial development, property management and full-scale entity management. He previously served as Vice President of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota and is a Certified Public Accountant. From 1988 to 2010, Mr. Haugen served as Administrator for Orthopaedic Associates of Fargo where he oversaw all administrative duties for both the clinic and The Institute for Special Surgery outpatient surgery center including all accounting, marketing, human resources, contracting, planning, payroll, and accounts payable. In addition to being a Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Haugen executed the purchase and development of the 80,000 square foot Orthopaedic Institute and upon completion, served as a commercial manager by executing leases and overseeing maintenance. Mr. Haugen also negotiated the subsequent sale of the practice and surgery center to Sanford Health. Prior to his time with Orthopaedic Associates of Fargo, Mr. Haugen served as the Accounting Manager for St. Luke’s Hospital (also known as MeritCare, now Sanford Health) and for the state of North Dakota as a Tax Auditor. Mr. Haugen has previously served on the boards for Sanford Health Foundation, Hospice of the Red River Valley, Vision Services of North Dakota and Community Living Services.  Mr. Haugen received a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota.  

Mr. Haugen was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees because of his specific experience and expertise in executive leadership, the accounting industry, commercial property development and management; past and continuing contributions to the Trust as an investor; and his knowledge, expertise, and perspective on business, planning and construction, and financing.

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Timothy A. Hunt has served as one of our Trustees since October 2003. Mr. Hunt currently serves as the Chair of our Audit and Disclosure Committee and as a member of our Executive Committee. Mr. Hunt has over 30 years of experience in healthcare administration. He most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer of Alexandria Clinic, PA, a 43-physician clinic in Alexandria, Minnesota. Throughout his career as a hospital and clinic CEO, he gained experience in the planning and construction of multiple healthcare facilities. He is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Administrators, a board member of the Alexandria Hospitality Group, a member of the NorthStar Development Committee and managing partner of TAH Enterprises.  Mr. Hunt is a previous board member of the Minnesota Medical Group Managers Association, the Administrator and Investment Chair of a large, corporate retirement plan, and serves on several other community boards. He also has experience in the investment and management of personal real estate income properties.  Mr. Hunt received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration for the University of Jamestown and a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota. 

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Mr. Hunt was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees because of his specific experience and expertise in executive management and healthcare administration; past and continuing contributions to the Trust as a Trustee and investor; and his general expertise and perspective on planning and construction of health care facilities.

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Michelle L. Korsmo has served as Trustee since June 2017 and currently serves as the Chair of our Nomination and Governance Committee and as a member of our Audit and Disclosure Committee. Ms. Korsmo has over 25 years of experience in executive management and consulting roles. She serves as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the National Restaurant Association and Chief Executive Officer of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises nearly 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 14.5 million employees. Previously, she served as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Wine Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), the national trade association representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry. Korsmo led WSWA through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the industry was deemed essential and its workforce had the tools it needed to adapt to shifting business channels. Korsmo focused the Association on defending the state-based regulatory structure and promoting the value of the wholesale tier.  Ms. Korsmo was also the Chief Executive Officer of the American Land Title Association, the national trade association for real estate settlement services and the land title industry. Under her leadership, the association launched an industry standard for compliance management, successfully implemented changes mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act and created a marketing program to improve consumer understanding of the benefits of title insurance. From 2004 to 2008, Ms. Korsmo served as Executive Vice President for Americans for Prosperity Foundation which doubled in size during her tenure. Prior to her time with Americans for Prosperity Foundation, Ms. Korsmo served as deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Labor where she managed Department agency heads, served as a member of the budget committee, exercised approval authority on Department action and developed an outreach program partnering with the nonprofit community. From 1998 to 2001, Ms. Korsmo successfully built her own public advocacy and political consulting firm representing a consortium of organizations before the North Dakota Legislature. Ms. Korsmo also serves on the boards of Chain Bridge Bank, N.A., a community bank that operates in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland, and the Bryce Harlow Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes the important role of ethical lobbying in public policy creation.  

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Ms. Korsmo was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees because of her specific experience and expertise in executive leadership and title insurance; past and continuing contributions to us as an investor; and her general expertise and perspective on business, planning, and real estate, all of which benefit our Board. 

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Mark T. Polovitz has served as Trustee since June 2020 and currently serves as a member of both the Audit and Disclosure Committee and our Nomination and Governance Committee. Since the spring of 2023, Mr.  Polovitz, has held the role of Chief Strategy Officer for a Minnesota based business, Barrett Petfood.  The role entails providing growth and financial capital strategies for the expanding business in the Pet Industry.  The company holds a large portfolio of facilities that specialize in the manufacturing and distribution of some of the top growing pet food brands in the country and world.  From 2011 through the spring of 2023, Mr. Polovitz was the Vice President and Controller of APi Group Corporation, a multibillion-dollar business services provider, with responsibilities of overseeing the accounting and financial reporting for APi Group’s 40-plus life safety, energy, specialty construction and infrastructure operating companies. Mr. Polovitz initially joined APi Group in January 2009, where he served in a variety of roles on the corporate accounting and finance team and led internal business system conversions for legacy and acquired companies.  Mr. Polovitz, in his capacity as Vice President and Controller, helped lead the 2019 $2.9B transaction of the acquisition of APi Group, Inc. to J2 Acquisition Limited, a special purpose entity listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).  Mr. Polovitz’ final assignment at APi Group, Inc. was holding the role of Vice President of Business Strategy and Transformation.  With APi Group expanding globally, the transformation efforts were a significant part of APi Group’s strategy, with Mr. Polovitz focusing on operating model and technology enabled capabilities for the quickly evolving $6 billion dollar plus company. APi Group also held several real estate investments which Mr. Polovitz oversaw from a financial performance aspect. Prior to joining APi Group, Mr. Polovitz served in the audit practice of the Private Company Services Group in the Minneapolis office of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) from 2005 to January 2009.  Mr. Polovitz received his Bachelor of Accountancy and Business Administration degree from the University of North Dakota. He also serves on the audit committee for the board of Children’s Minnesota, a not-for-profit pediatric health system serving families in the Twin Cities.

Mr. Polovitz was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees because of his specific experience and expertise in accounting functions, acquisitions and executive leadership, and his knowledge and perspective on business and financial strategy, all of which benefit our Board.

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James S. Wieland has served as one of our Trustees since June 2007 and currently serves on our Executive Committee and our Nomination and Governance Committee. Mr. Wieland has also served as Trustee of Sterling Office and Industrial Trust since March 2016.  Mr. Wieland also serves on the Board of Governors of Sterling Management, LLC, our Advisor, since January 2007. Mr. Wieland has over 40 years of experience in property investment, management, brokerage, and development. In March 1981, he cofounded the GOLDMARK companies with Kenneth Regan. During his service to the GOLDMARK companies, Mr. Wieland has been active in the acquisition, development, operation, and management of multifamily and commercial real estate. Mr. Wieland currently serves and has served on various boards, including Bell State Bank and Trust, Dakota Renaissance Ventures, Space Age Technology, Jamestown Community Hospital, North Dakota State University Team Makers, NDSU College of Business, Cass County Electric Cooperative, Northern Capital Trust, Production Publications, Inc. and the Walton Bean Cooperative. Mr. Wieland received a B.S. degree in Business Economics and a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from North Dakota State University. 

Mr. Wieland was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees because of his specific experience and expertise with multifamily properties, property management and the real estate industry; past and continuing contributions to us as Trustee and an investor; and his general expertise and perspective on business and real estate that benefits us.

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Gregory P. Hammes has over 30 years of experience in legal affairs holding a variety of roles throughout the legal, real estate, wealth management and public accounting industries. He currently serves as the Chief Legal Officer for Bell Bank, one of the largest family-and-employee-owned banks in the nation with assets totaling more than $12 Billion. As Chief Legal Officer, Mr. Hammes oversees all legal activity for the holding company and is responsible for contract management while also working with high-net-worth clients in the wealth management division. He has been with Bell Bank since 2006. Prior to Bell, Mr. Hammes was a partner at the Vogel Law Firm beginning as an associate attorney for the Gunhus Law Firm in 1993 which then merged with the Vogel Law Firm. While in private practice, Mr. Hammes was involved in complex real estate transactions as well as corporate law and estate planning.   Mr. Hammes is also a Certified Public Accountant and began his career in public accounting with Eide Bailly, formerly Eide Helmeke. Mr. Hammes has past experience in real estate investment trusts as he was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Missouri Valley REIT which has since merged with Edgewood REIT. In addition to his professional experience, Mr. Hammes is deeply involved in the local community and has served as a board member or Chairman on numerous boards such as First Lutheran Church Foundation, the Red River Valley Estate Planning Council, Fargo Marathon, The Village Family Service Center and the Children’s Village Family Service Foundation. Mr. Hammes graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Accountancy degree and also received his Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in both North Dakota and Minnesota and holds his Certified Public Accountant certificate in North Dakota.  

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Mr. Hammes was nominated for election to the Board of Trustees because of his specific experience and expertise in legal and corporate strategy, real estate transactions and investments, public accounting and executive leadership, and his knowledge and perspective on business and financial strategy, all of which benefit the Trust and our Board. 

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PROPOSAL 2 –
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF
RSM US LLP
AS OUR
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit and Disclosure Committee has appointed RSM US LLP (“RSM”) to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2024, subject to ratification by our shareholders. RSM has audited our consolidated financial statements since 2021.

Our shareholders are asked to act upon a proposal to ratify the appointment of RSM as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2024.

A representative of RSM is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she so desires and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.

Audit and NonAudit Fees

The following table summarizes the fees we were billed for audit and nonaudit services provided by RSM US, LLP for the year ended 2022 and 2023:

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None of the services described above were approved pursuant to the exception provided in Rule 201(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation SX promulgated by the SEC.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

The Audit and Disclosure Committee has a policy for the pre-approval of audit services, requiring its prior approval for all audit and non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. Our independent registered public accounting firm may not provide certain prohibited services. The Audit and Disclosure Committee’s prior approval must be obtained before the scope or cost of preapproved services is increased.

Consistent with these policies and procedures, the Audit and Disclosure Committee approved all the services rendered by RSM during fiscal years 2022 and 2023 respectively, as described above.

Vote Required

Approval of the ratification of the appointment of RSM US LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2024, will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the annual meeting.

Unless a contrary choice is specified, proxies solicited by our Board of Trustees will be voted FOR ratification of the appointment of RSM US LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2024.

Recommendation of Our Board of Trustees

Our Board of Trustees recommends a vote FOR ratification of the appointment of RSM US LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2024.

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PROPOSAL 3 –
OTHER MATTERS

By executing the proxy, you authorize the proxies, in their discretion, to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting and any and all adjournments or postponements thereof, including a vote to adjourn or postpone the meeting.

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REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND DISCLOSURE COMMITTEE

The following Audit and Disclosure Committee Report shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.  

The Audit and Disclosure Committee (the “Committee”) oversees our financial reporting process on behalf of our Board of Trustees. The Committee is currently comprised of six trustees. The Committee is governed by our Audit and Disclosure Committee charter. All Audit and Disclosure Committee members are independent within the meaning of Rules 5005(a)(20) and 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including our systems of internal controls. In fulfilling its responsibilities, the committee reviewed the financial statements in the quarterly reports on Form 10Q and the Annual Report on Form 10K with management, including a discussion of the quality and acceptability of our financial reporting and controls.  

The Committee reviewed with our independent registered public accounting firm, who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of our audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting standards, their judgments as to the quality and acceptability of our financial reporting and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Committee by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) Auditing Standard No. 1301, “Communications with Audit Committees,” including the quality of the Company’s accounting principles, reasonableness of significant judgments, the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements and critical audit matters addressed during their audit. In addition, the Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the auditors’ independence from management and us, including the matters in the registered public accounting firm’s written disclosures and the letter required by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB. Furthermore, the Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, was compatible with maintaining their independence. RSM US LLP has served as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm since 2021.  

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The Committee also discussed with our independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for its audit. The Committee met with members of the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of its examination, the results of management’s review of internal controls, and the overall quality of our financial reporting.  

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to our Board of Trustees the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 for filing with the SEC. The Committee has appointed RSM US LLP to serve as our principal independent public accountants for the year ending December 31, 2024.  

Management is responsible for our financial reporting process including its system of internal controls, and for the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing those financial statements. The Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and review these processes. It is not the Committee’s duty or responsibility to conduct auditing or accounting reviews or procedures. Therefore, the Committee has relied, without independent verification, on management’s representation that the financial statements have been prepared with integrity and objectivity and in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and on the independent registered public accounting firm’s report on our financial statements. The Committee’s oversight does not provide it with an independent basis to determine management has maintained appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles or policies, or appropriate internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, the Committee’s considerations and discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm do not assure our financial statements are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the audit of our financial statements has been carried out in accordance with U.S. generally accepted auditing standards or our independent accountants are in fact “independent.”  

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In addition to the responsibilities discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the Committee’s responsibilities include reviewing significant accounting policies, policy decisions and changes, along with significant accounting, reporting and operational issues. The Committee also reviews corporate policies and significant instances (if any) of the lack of compliance with laws and regulations, ethics, conflicts of interest and the investigation of misconduct or fraud. The Committee is responsible for the resolution of any disagreements between management and the independent registered public accounting firm regarding financial reporting, review and approval of the annual audit plan and reports of the audit function. Additionally, the Committee is responsible for the establishment of procedures to receive, retain and treat complaints and whistleblower information regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.  

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The Committee is pleased to submit this report to the shareholders with regard to the above matters.  

Timothy A. Hunt, Chair

Ann L. Christenson

Gregory P. Hammes

Timothy L. Haugen

Michelle L. Korsmo

Mark T. Polovitz

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SHAREHOLDER NOMINATIONS AND PROPOSALS FOR 2024 ANNUAL MEETING

Pursuant to the applicable rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), and our Amended and Restated Bylaws, a shareholder may nominate individuals for election to the Board of Trustees or present a shareholder proposal for consideration at the 2025 annual meeting as well as inclusion in our 2025 proxy statement. Shareholder nominations and proposals may be made only by a person who was a shareholder of record both at the time of giving written notice and at the time of the 2025 annual meeting, who is entitled to vote at the 2025 annual meeting and who has complied with all applicable requirements of Rule 14a8 promulgated under the Exchange Act and with the requirements of Article II, Section 11(a) of our Amended and Restated Bylaws. 

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A shareholder who wishes to make a shareholder nomination or proposal to be considered for the 2025 annual meeting must deliver the notice specified under Article II, Section 11(a) of our Amended and Restated Bylaws. To be timely, a shareholder’s notice of the shareholder proposal or nominee must be in writing and received by our Secretary at our principal executive office no earlier than the 150th day nor later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on the 120th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of mailing of the notice for the 2024 annual meeting, with the anticipated mailing date of the notice being April 26, 2024. However, if the date of the 2025 annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the 2024 annual meeting, timely notice must be received no earlier than the 150th day prior to the date of the 2025 annual meeting and not later than 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on the later of the 120th day prior to the date of the 2025 annual meeting or the tenth day after a public announcement of the date of the 2025 annual meeting is first made. A public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting shall not commence a new time period for the giving of a shareholder’s notice as described above. 

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Provided the date of the 2025 annual meeting of shareholders is not advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the 2024 annual meeting, a shareholder who wishes to make a shareholder nomination or proposal to be considered for the 2025 annual meeting must deliver the notice specified between November 27, 2024 and December 27, 2024. Any notice should be mailed to: Sterling Real Estate Trust, Attn: Secretary, 4340 18th Avenue South, Suite 200, Fargo, ND 58103.  

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Shareholders interested in submitting such a proposal or making a nomination are advised to contact knowledgeable counsel with regard to the detailed requirements of such securities rules and to review applicable requirements in our Amended and Restated Bylaws. Please see the section, “Corporate Governance, Board of Directors and Committees - Shareholder Nominations,” for more information on shareholder nominations.

The form of proxy and this proxy statement have been approved by our Board of Trustees and are being made available online to shareholders by its authority.

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Fargo, North Dakota

April 24, 2024