On April 2, 2024, Michael J Arougheti notified Ares Commercial Real Estate Corporation that he would not stand for re-election as a director of the Company at the Company's 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 22, 2024 (the Annual Meeting) when his current term expires. the Board will nominate Bryan P. Donohoe, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, for election as a Class III director to replace Mr. Arougheti following the Annual Meeting.