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May 14, 2026

Sterling Realty Organization

Skager

Gilchrist

Schooler

Over in Bellevue, where Sterling Realty Organization is a major owner and manager of various properties, David Schooler will retire after 47 years (!) with the company. Sterling announced the news last week, along with a reshuffle of its executive suite. Schooler has been executive chairman of the board for the past dozen years. Sterling calls him “an essential contributor to SRO's success and a well-known leader in downtown Bellevue.” Then, with only 40 years at the firm, Tom Gilchrist will become the new executive chair. Then, further divvying up the C Suite responsibilities, Matt Skager becomes president of Sterling, taking Gilchrist's old role. Skager joined the firm in 2014. Founded by John Danz in 1911, during the silent movie era, the growing SRO movie chain later diversified into real estate. It's now in its fifth generation of family ownership. And a sad footnote: Onni Group is preparing to demolish the former John Danz Theatre complex, including the former Barnes & Noble (aka the former Belle Lanes Bowl). Sterling sold the property to the Canadian developer in 2019 for $116 million.




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