While at Eastdil for the past seven years, Ash'sresponsibilities included coordinating the firm's nationwidemultifamily efforts while also handling the disposition andfinancing of primarily office and multifamily properties in theWestern US. At Sterling American, his responsibilities will includesourcing new investments and joint venture relationshipopportunities in Western US. His primary focus will be on OrangeCounty, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle.

"Transaction volume everywhere is down substantially and I haddone business with Sterling and knew they wanted to open a WestCoast office; they have substantial capital and are interested inaggressively putting it to work, taking advantage of theopportunities they are others see in the market going forward," Ashtells GlobeSt.com. "Their focus is on office and multifamily, thetwo areas I've focused on most during my career, and they wantedsomeone who has worked these markets, which I have my entirecareer. It is great fit."

Ash will report to Sterling's chief investment officer TarakPatolia, who has heretofore been covering the West Coast on his ownfrom New York. "David will provide Sterling a day-to-day presencein these evolving and dynamic western region markets" Patolia saidin a prepared statement.