Donald J Sterhan

Don Sterhan has been a key figure in the planning, development, and financing of business projects in Montana for over 35 years. Since 2003, he has focused his efforts on developing affordable housing properties, including multifamily apartments and senior retirement communities.

Don's journey in the affordable housing sector began as President & CEO of Mountain Plains Equity Group, Inc. (MPEG), a syndicator of low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC). MPEG's mission was to organize and manage private equity funds for affordable housing development particularly in Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota. Under his leadership, MPEG became a prominent syndicator of low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) in the Intermountain West. In 2011, Don founded CR Builders, LLC to act as the development arm of MPEG. Together, MPEG and CR Builders, LLC built a strong track record in developing housing projects using various financing sources, including conventional debt and equity, private activity bonds, LIHTC (both 9% and 4%), HOME Funds, National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) dollars, CDBG funds, and funding from HUD and USDA Rural Development.

In 2023, MPEG was acquired by National Equity Fund (NEF), allowing Don to focus exclusively on developing low-income and senior living housing projects. Overall, as both syndicator and developer, Don's efforts have resulted in the financing and development of 66 housing projects to date, totaling 2,480 rental units and over $475 million in capital investment.

Beyond his professional achievements, Don is actively involved in various professional and civic organizations, demonstrating his commitment to his community and industry.

• Riverstone Health Foundation - Board Member
• Governor's Housing Task Force / Montana - Appointed by the Governor in 2022
• Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines - Member of the Affordable Housing Advisory Council
• Montana Housing Coalition - Board Member and Vice Chair
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Political Advisory Committee - Current Member
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Past Board Member and Chair of Energy & Environment Committee
• Montana Chamber of Commerce - Past Chairman
• Montana Chamber Foundation - Past President
• National Association of State & Local Equity Funds (NASLEF) - Past Board Member
• Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation - Past Chairman
• St. Vincent Healthcare - Past Board Member

LICENSES & AFFILIATIONS: Don holds an active real estate sales license in the state of Montana. Earlier in his career, he was a licensed securities advisor with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), holding Series 7 and Series 63 licenses.

Originally from Glendive, Montana, Don spent most of his upbringing in the Flathead Valley of western Montana. He graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.