UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

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FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report: September 21, 2010
(Date of earliest event reported)

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Sterling Financial Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

111 North Wall Street, Spokane, Washington 99201
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)

(509) 458-3711
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

⃞ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

(d)                 Sterling Financial Corporation ("Sterling") hereby discloses that all necessary regulatory approvals have been received for the appointment of Robert H. Hartheimer to the Sterling Board of Directors.  The appointment had been subject to approval by Sterling's primary regulator, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, which has advised Sterling that it has no objection to the appointment.  Mr. Hartheimer will serve on the Credit and Risk Committee and the Governance/Nominating Committee and will act as chairman of the Credit and Risk Committee. The appointment became effective on September 21, 2010.

(d)       The following exhibit is being furnished herewith:

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.