Leadership

Larry Swank has been a leader in the multifamily industry for over 38 years. A pioneer in providing rural housing solutions throughout the Midwest, Larry Swank helped lay the foundation for the contemporary affordable multifamily industry of today. The Sterling Group, based on his leadership and vision, has grown as a leading edge provider of multifamily housing based on professionalism, integrity, honesty, strong mid-western values and work ethics. In addition to the development, construction or acquisition of over 9,000 apartment and condominium projects having an excess of $500,000,000 in aggregate value, Sterling has constructed or acquired numerous single-family homes, villas, three mixed-use subdivisions as well as over 8,000 storage units throughout the Midwest.

Larry Swank attended IUSB’s Business Undergrad program from 1964 to 1968.

Larry Swank is affiliated with the following organizations (non-exclusive list):

Past Member of Fannie Mae Housing Impact Advisory Council;
Member of Board and Past President of State of Indiana Home Builders Association; Past Chairman of National Rural Housing Council, National Association of Home Builders; Past Chairman of National Multifamily Housing Council, National Association of Home Builders;
Past Chairman of Housing Finance Committee, National Association of Home Builders; Past Member of the Board of Directors of National Multi-Housing Council;
Member of Governmental Affairs Committee, National Association of Home Builders; Member/Chairman of Convention Committee, National Association of Home Builders; Member of Resolution Committee, National Association of Home Builders; Member of Multifamily Board of Trustees, National Association of Home Builders; Director of the FHLB Indianapolis, 2008-2018. Licensed Real Estate Broker in Indiana, Michigan and Illinois Founder and Trustee of the Jaxson William Augustus Swank Foundation

As President of Sterling Group, Inc., Lance Swank is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the parent company and its subsidiaries, including all development, management, construction and acquisition activities at the firm. Through his focused efforts and diligence, he has helped create one of the top privately held, vertically integrated, full service multifamily housing providers in the Midwest and Southeast. Since Lance joined the firm in 1983, Sterling has developed, constructed or acquired over 9,000 apartment units and over 8,000 self storage units. A recognized authority in the area of multifamily housing, Lance Swank is a sought after speaker and has participated in many regional and national conferences pertaining to the multifamily housing industry. Lance Swank is a 1983 graduate of DePauw University.

Lance Swank is affiliated with the following organizations (non-exclusive list):

Recipient of the NAHB 2012 Daniel M. Grady Award for excellence and advocacy of multifamily housing Chairman of the Housing Finance Committee – National Association of Home Builders; 2011 Chairman of the Housing Credit Group - National Association of Home Builders; 2006 Life Director of Board of Directors of National Association of Home Builders; Current Trustee and Vice Chairman of Multifamily Council Board of Trustees - National Association of Home Builders; Current Member of the Board of Directors of the National Multi-Housing Council; 2000-2002 Advisory Board Member of the McDermond Center for Management and Entrepreneurship at DePauw University; 2005-2008 Member of DePauw University President’s Board of Visitors, 2009-2011 Member of Indiana Apartment Association Board of Directors; 2010-2011 State Secretary, Indiana Builders Association, 2014-15 Member Urban Land Institute CCIM Candidate

As Vice President of Sterling Construction, Larry Swank II is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the construction company, including all construction related activities involving new developments.

Since Larry joined the firm in 2002, he has overseen the new construction and rehabilitation of over 4100 multifamily and storage units with asset values totaling $201MM. He has been integral in revamping and redeploying the construction company’s Policy and Procedure Handbook and the development of the Sterling University’s Construction Training module which provides the company’s employees with a fully integrated platform for ongoing training.

In addition to career with the construction company, Larry served as Development Originator for Sterling Development. As Development Originator he was responsible for all aspects of land origination and development. During his time in in this position, Larry played a role in the development of over 1500 units across the United States totaling $160MM in total asset value.

Larry received his Masters in Business and Administration in 2010 from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors and is a 2002 graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.

Larry Swank II is affiliated with the following organizations (non-exclusive list): • Member, National Association of Home Builders, • Board Member, Jaxson William August Swank Foundation, whose mission is to assist underprivileged children with receiving quality education. • Board Member, Boys and Girls Club of St Joseph County

In addition, Larry Swank II holds the following licenses: • Holds a Class A General Contractor’s license with the International Code Council, which is the most nationally recognized standard licensure designation. • CCIM Candidate

Bob Voss serves as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Sterling Group and is a key member of the Executive team. Bob is responsible for overseeing Sterling’s capital management, accounting, IT and asset management functions. He has more than 30 years of experience in accounting/auditing, and possesses a wide-range of knowledge in the investment and cash management process, with an extensive background in operations and logistics. In addition to his strong accounting/auditing experience, Bob has successfully developed and rolled-out several comprehensive IT and accounting infrastructure programs which have resulted in increased efficiency and substantial cost savings adding value throughout each respective organization.

Bob began his career in the logistics industry creating and managing financial controls and internal audits at Overland Transportation Systems in Indianapolis, Indiana. Prior to joining Sterling in 2000, he held several Controller positions in related fields throughout northern Indiana.

Bob Voss is a 1983 graduate of the Indiana University, holding a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and has passed the CPA exam. He has also been nominated by his Sterling peers for the Corporate Colleague of the Year Award in 2006 and 2007, exemplifying his stewardship and customer-focused work style. Besides enjoying spending time with his family, Bob is an avid golfer and consummate sports fan.

As Vice President of Management and a key member of the Executive team, Andrea is a visionary leader and consummate mentor to her team (over 200 colleagues) in the Sterling Group’s management division. Charged with developing Management’s strategic plan and growing the business, both internally and externally, Andrea is a skilled manager, creative thinker, and has a history of success throughout her 30 years in the multifamily industry.

A passionate, “hands-on”, results-oriented, property management professional, Andrea possesses a wide-range of knowledge of the multifamily industry, with extensive operational and management experience in the traditional garden, historic rehab, mid-rise and duplex communities. Additionally, with extensive knowledge of luxury and tax credit product, Andrea has developed and executed numerous programs to improve efficiency on-site, increase accountability and improve profitability overall. She has a consistent track record of increasing the value of assets under her leadership.

With a geographically diverse, professional background, Andrea began her career in 1990 as an Assistant Manager in the Washington, DC area with Smithy-Braedon. Managing high-density, multifamily communities, Andrea quickly set herself apart and rapidly advanced to multi-site management. Throughout her career, she has been involved with such organizations as Avalon Bay, Grady Management, and Marquette Management, whereas a Regional Manager, she oversaw a portfolio in excess of 4,000 units.

Andrea is a 1990 graduate of the University of Michigan, holding a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration.

Scimia’s areas of focus include construction and permanent financing of commercial and residential real estate and the acquisition, development, leasing, and disposition of office, retail, commercial, industrial and residential properties. His practice also includes securing necessary land use approvals from local units of government for commercial, industrial, residential and mixed-use projects.

As a principal in Sterling’s real estate activities, Scimia will be responsible for the companies legal affairs and will be involved in the acquisition, development, and construction of Sterling’s growing portfolio. He will serve on Sterling’s Board of Directors and as well as other executive committees.

Scimia’s awards and recognitions include: 
o Best Lawyers® 2017 “Lawyer of the Year” in Land Use and Zoning Law in Indianapolis
 o The Best Lawyers in America, Land Use & Zoning Law and Real Estate Law, 2005-2018
 o Indiana Super Lawyers — Real Estate, 2004-2017
 o Beta Gamma Sigma
o Who's Who in American Law
o Chambers USA: A Guide to America's Leading Business Lawyers — Real Estate, 2016-2017
 o Indiana State Bar Association Membership
o Arizona State Bar Association Membership

Scimia earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University and a law degree from Indiana University Maurer School of Law.

Drew Strobel joined Sterling Group, Inc. in 2023 as Associate General Counsel. He is primarily responsible for advancing the company’s legal position in all aspects of the development and investment processes, including acquisitions, dispositions, entitlements, incentives, construction, debt and equity financing, joint ventures, management, and leasing.

Prior to joining Sterling, Drew served as in-house counsel for Scannell Properties, a privately owned, international commercial real estate development firm specializing in build-to-suit and speculative projects in the industrial, office, and multifamily sectors. During his time at Scannell, he successfully completed over $5.4 billion of development, financing, and acquisition/disposition activity. Prior to Scannell, Drew was an attorney with Krieg DeVault LLP in the firm’s real estate and business practice groups.

Drew earned his Juris Doctor from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with dual minors in Business and History, from Indiana University.

His volunteer activities include: serving as a member of Habitat for Humanity of Hamilton County’s Real Estate Committee; serving as a Student Mentor for the NAIOP/ULI University Challenge; serving as a volunteer for various attorney access programs provided by the Indiana State Bar Association; and serving as a member in various leadership roles for The Penrod Society, a local organization focused on promoting and supporting arts, cultural, and educational institutions in the central Indiana community.

As the Vice President of Development for Sterling, Mr. VanMeeter is responsible for the day to day operations of the Development Department including every development opportunity from inception to completion. Mr. VanMeeter joined the firm in 1997, and has been involved in the creation of over 10,000 Affordable and Market Rate rental units as well as 250,000 square foot of self-storage space across the Midwest.

From 2009 to current, Mr. VanMeeter has been responsible for the production of Market Rate housing with the Company’s main focus in financing developments utilizing the HUD 221 d(4) financing arm. Currently, Mr. VanMeeter has been working on the development pipeline for Sterling in the Southeast Region of the US and pursuing in excess of 1,000 new Market Rate units over the course of the next couple of years.

From 1997 to 2012, Mr. VanMeeter was involved in the production of Affordable Housing with his main area of focus in financing developments utilizing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). Mr. VanMeeter is very experienced in working with a vast number of the State Housing Authorities, their staff as well as reviewing and understanding their Qualified Allocation Plans (QAP’s) to be successful in obtaining an allocation of Housing Tax Credits.

Mr. VanMeeter has been involved in all aspects of the development process including site selection, procurement of all entitlements, underwriting, market feasibility, managing third party professionals as well as establishing community relationships.

Mr. VanMeeter is a 1990 graduate of Purdue University in the field of Business Management and currently holds his Indiana Real Estate license.

Josh Miller Vice President, Investments

As Vice President of Sterling Investments, Josh Miller is primarily responsible for sourcing and structuring the capital stack for Sterling’s investment activity, as well as managing the sourcing of investment opportunities and oversight of Sterling’s Investments team.

Since joining the firm in 2011, Josh has been involved in nearly $1 billion of development, acquisition/disposition and syndication activity. He has been integral in overseeing the revitalization of Sterling’s acquisition activity, as well as the strategy development of multiple discretionary funds. Additionally, Josh has helped develop and maintain numerous relationships with equity partners and has worked extensively with various lenders (FHA, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae).

Josh has spent his entire career working in the Real Estate industry, beginning at Simon Property Group, a Fortune 500 Commercial Real Estate firm in Indianapolis, IN. While at Simon, he performed various analyst roles in both the leasing and operations area of the company and worked directly with Senior Management on a regular basis.

Josh is a 2007 graduate of Ball State University, holding a Bachelor of Science in Finance, and a 2010 graduate of the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame, holding a Masters of Business Administration degree. He graduated with honors at both programs. Josh enjoys spending time with his wife and four children and is a die-hard sports fan, closely following the Irish and the Cubs.

Brian Odell has spent more than 28 years in the real estate industry, specializing in asset and property management, acquisitions, dispositions, site selection and development analysis.

As Vice President of Asset Management for The Sterling Group, Mr. Odell leads the oversight of the firm’s real estate portfolio and is responsible for the operations of both Multifamily and Self-Storage units nationwide.

During his career, Mr. Odell had served as Director of Asset Management for Passco Companies for 10 years, where he was responsible for the operations of 12,000 units. Prior to the Passco, he was the Vice President of Property Management with Lincoln Property Company overseeing 12,000 units, Vice President of Asset Management and Property Management with Billingsley Company, and Vice President of Western Rim Property Services. He brings functional expertise, as well as deep experience in institutional portfolio management, working with Transwestern, UBS, Capmark, Behringer Harvard, Trammell Crow, TIAA-CREF, Metlife, GE Capital, and ING Clarion.

Mr. Odell is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) of the Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute.

Darren grew up in Fishers, Indiana and has been passionate about construction since his childhood. Whether it was building bird houses, tinkering in his grandfather’s garage, or renovating his parents’ rental properties, he has always enjoyed taking something from nothing and turning it into something. His wife and three young boys keep him very busy with ping pong, board games, golf with his youngest son, trips to St. Joseph Michigan, Great Wolf Lodge, and other fun family activities. He is an avid golfer with hopes of winning tournaments with his Dad or at his local club.

His passion for construction was set in stone while obtaining his undergraduate degree in Construction Management from Purdue University. BOILER UP! He went on to receive his Masters in Construction Management Technology from Purdue University in 2019 and has used that knowledge to help enhance procedures, best practices, and the daily operations of the business.

As the Assistant Vice President of Construction, he focuses on running the Preconstruction and Production sides of the business. He began his tenure with Sterling in November of 2012 as an Assistant Project Manager. Shortly thereafter he started the Preconstruction Department and built up the team to what it is today. He then transitioned to a Project Executive overseeing multiple projects until moving into his current position. He truly enjoys working with his amazing team every day and is blessed to work for such an incredible organization.

Ms. Talbot joined Sterling Group’s Property Management division in early 2018 as a Regional Vice President. Before joining Sterling, Jade Talbot worked with several management companies including Lincoln Property Company, Pinnacle Properties, and Gene B. Glick. Over the course of her career, Jade has served as a Property Manager, Regional Director, and Vice President of Operations. Her experience includes working throughout the U.S. with conventional market rate, section 42 tax credit, section 8 family and elderly, mixed use, lease up and value add properties.

Jade has a distinguishable style and approach to leadership. She is highly adept at building relationships and understands how to navigate a variety of communication strategies to make an impact and achieve financial goals while keeping key stakeholders informed at all times. She leads her Regional team by example and demonstrates her extensive experience in operations. A collaborative leader, Jade is uniquely qualified to build and train high performing teams.

Jade is a graduate of Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Marketing. As a CPM, she is actively involved with IREM, NAA, and IAA. Ms. Talbot serves on the Ball State Residential Property Management Advisory Board.

Ashley grew up in Maryland (go Terps!) and moved to the Michiana area in 2017 with her husband, Justin Cohee. She began with Sterling Group in September of 2018 as an IT Business Process Analyst. Quickly establishing roots in the area and investing in Sterling’s mission, she was promoted to IT Project Manager in 2019. This position required the creation and maintenance of numerous relationships within Sterling and outside business partners. With a thorough understanding of Yardi, Sterling’s Multi-Family business operations, and the back-office application platform, Ashley has been able to identify business gaps throughout the firm and improve current workflows and practices through the IT Department. Now as the Director of IT, she has set forward a plan to align the department with Sterling’s current business model, foster and grow relationships, and innovate current technology across Construction, Management, and Storage businesses. She is passionate about her role and truly enjoys working with her incredible team and colleagues.

Prior to joining Sterling’s team, Ashley received her B.A. in International Politics from Juniata College and then an M.S. in Homeland Security Management with a focus on Information Security from Towson University. While living in the Washington DC area after college, she worked on Federal Government IT contracts focusing on software implementation and support in various PMO offices.

In her off-time Ashley enjoys going on trips with her family, which has grown by two fun little kids since moving to the area. There is an open-door policy in their house with friends and family visiting from the East Coast. In her alone time, you can find her with a glass of wine, cuddling her pup, Baxter, and reading true crime or at the local Orange Theory studio.