Robert W. Koar joined Sterling National Bank as senior managing director. He will lead a team of relationship managers dedicated to providing commercial banking services to middle market companies in New Jersey.

Koar brings extensive commercial lending experience and has held leadership positions at Citibank and Wachovia Bank. He has also worked in various aspects of financial services at Wachovia Securities and First Fidelity Bank.

The addition of Koar reflects the continued growth of Sterling’s broad team-based approach to providing personalized services. He brings to Sterling diverse financial services experience and expertise in relationship banking. He will be based in Paramus.

“We are really excited to have Bob join Sterling,” said Vincent DeLucia, president of the New York regional market. “New Jersey is a vibrant market and is particularly rich in small- and mid-sized businesses. Bob’s deep understanding of client needs in the commercial lending arena is a strong fit with our existing team and with our strategy of providing custom-tailored, client-centric financial solutions to the greater New York region.”